
Book .J. , 

YUDIX COLLECTION 



ACTING EDITION OF | 

ORD LYTTON'S DRAMAS 



RICHELIEU 



OR 



THE CONSPIRACY 

BY 

LORD LYTTON 



The only Acting Edition accurately marked, u produced by 
W. C. Uacready. 



LONDON AND NEW YORK 
GEORGE ROUTLEDGE AND SONS 

1875 



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GEORGE UOUTLEDGE AND SO! 



RICHELIEU 



THE CONSPIEACY 



A PLAY IN FIVE ACTS 



Br LOED LYTTON 



The only Acting Edition accurately marked, as produced by 
W. G. Macready. 



LONDON AND NEW YORK 

GEOEGE ROUTLEDGE AND SONS 

1875 



/^* 



^ 



$A> 



■\t 



LONDON : 
PEDTTED BY WOODFALL AND EINDSB, 
MILFOBD LANE, STRAND, W.C. 



tcrnx^-) 



6 V 



TO 

THE MARQUIS OF LANSDOWNE, K.G., 
&c, &c. 

2T|)ta Brama 

IS INSCRIBED. 
IN TRIBUTE TO THE TALENTS WHICH COMMAND* 

AND 

THE QUALITIES WHICH ENDEAB, 
RESPECT. 

London, March 5, 1839. 



[This play is accurately marked as produced under the management 
of W. C. Macready.] 

3? 



|)*rs0rts j&f tyt grama. 

THEATRE ROYAL COYENT GARDEN, 1839. 



Males, 

Loins the Thirteenth Mr. Elton. 

Gaston, Duke of Orleans (brother to Louis the 

Thirteenth) Mr. Diddear. 

Bar ad as (favourite of the King, First Gentleman of 

the Chamber, Premier Ecuyer, &c.) . . Mr. Warde. 

Cardinal Richelieu Mr. Macready. 

The Chevalier de Mauprat .... Mr. Anderson. 
The Sieur de Beringeen (in attendance on the 

King, one of the Conspirators) . . . Mr. F. Vining. 
Joseph (a Capuchin, Richelieu's confidant) . . Mr. Phelps. 
Huguet (an officer of Richelieu's household guard — a 

Spy) Mr. G. Bennett. 

Francois (First Page to Richelieu) . . . Mr. Howe. 

First Courtier Mr. Roberts. 

'Mr. Matthews. 
• Mr. Tilbury. 
.Mr. Tarnold. 
Governor op the Bastile .... Mr. Waldron. 

Gaoler Mr. Ayliffe. 

Courtiers, Pages, Conspirators, Officers, Soldiers, &c. 



Captain op the Archers 

First, Second, Third Secretaries op State 



Females. 

Julie de Mortemar (an Orphan, Ward to Richelieu) Miss H. Faucit 
Marion de Lorme (Mistress to Orleans, but in Riche- 
lieu's pay) Miss Charles. 



PKEFACE. 



The administration of Cardinal Richelieu, whom 
(despite all his darker qualities) Yoltaire and History 
justly consider the true architect of the French 
monarchy, and the great parent of Erench civilisation, 
is characterized by features alike tragic and comic. A 
weak king — an ambitious favourite ; a despicable con- 
spiracy against the minister, nearly always associated 
with a dangerous treason against the State — these, with 
little variety of names and dates, constitute the eventful 
cycle through which, with a dazzling ease, and an arro- 
gant confidence, the great luminary fulfilled its destinies. 
Blent together, in startling contrast, we see the grandest 
achievements and the pettiest agents ; — the spy — the 
mistress — the capuchin ; — the destruction of feudalism ; 
— the humiliation of Austria ; — the dismemberment of 
Spain. 

Richelieu himself is still what he was in his own day 
— a man of two characters. If, on the one hand, he is 
justly represented as inflexible and vindictive, crafty and 
unscrupulous ; so, on the other, it cannot be denied that 
he was placed in times in which the long impunity of 
every license required stern examples — that he was 



6 PREFACE. 

beset by perils and intrigues, which gave a certain excuse 
to the subtlest inventions of self-defence — that his ambi- 
tion was inseparably connected with a passionate love 
for the glory of his country — and that, if he was her 
dictator, he was not less her benefactor. It has been 
fairly remarked, by the most impartial historians, that 
he was no less generous to merit than severe to crime 
— that, in the various departments of the State, the 
Army, and the Church, he selected and distinguished 
the ablest aspirants — that the wars which he conducted 
were, for the most part, essential to the preservation of 
France, and Europe itself, from the formidable encroach- 
ments of the Austrian House — that, in spite of those 
wars, the people were not oppressed with exorbitant 
imposts — and that he left the kingdom he had governed 
in a more flourishing and vigorous state than at any 
former period of the French history, or at the decease 
of Louis XIV. 

The cabals formed against this great statesman were 
not carried on by the patriotism of public virtue, or the 
emulation of equal talent : they were but court struggles, 
in which the most worthless agents had recourse to the 
most desperate means. In each, as I have before observed, 
we see combined the twofold attempt to murder the minis- 
ter and to betray the country. Such, then, are the agents, 
and such the designs, with which truth, in the Drama as 
in History, requires us to contrast the celebrated Car- 
dinal ; — not disguising his foibles or his vices, but not 
unjust to the grander qualities (especially the love of 
country), by which they were often dignified, and, at 
times redeemed. 



PREFACE. / 

The historical drama is the concentration of historical 
events. In the attempt to place upon the stage the 
picture of an era, that license with dates and details, 
which Poetry permits, and which the highest authori- 
ties in the Drama of France herself have sanctioned, 
has been, though not unsparingly, indulged. The con- 
spiracy of the Due de Bouillon is, for instance, amal- 
gamated wi'fch the denouement of The Day of Dupes ; 
and circumstances connected with the treason of Cinq 
Mars (whose brilliant youth and gloomy catastrophe 
tend to subvert poetic and historic justice, by seducing 
us to forget his base ingratitude and his perfidious 
apostasy) are identified with the fate of the earlier 
favourite Baradas, whose sudden rise and as sudden 
fall passed into a proverb. I ought to add, that the 
noble romance of " Cinq Mars " suggested one of the 
scenes in the fifth act ; and that for the conception of 
some portion of the intrigue connected with De Mauprat 
and Julie, I am, with great alterations of incident, and 
considerable if not entire reconstruction of character, 
indebted to an early and admirable novel by the author 
of " Picciola." 

London, March, 1839. 



COSTUMES. 

Kino. — A complete suit of "black, shoes, roses, an& a black plume. 
The Cross of St. Louis on his cloak, and suspended round his 
neck. 

Cardinal. — Scarlet cassock, tippet of white fur lined with scarlet, 
red stockings, shoes, and skull-cap. A rich robe for the first 
dress. 

Baradas. — Green velvet doublet, cloak and breeches slashed with 
yellow satin trimmed with gold, shoes and roses. The Star of 
St. Louis on cloak, Order round the neck. 

Orleans, De Beringhen, Clermont and Court. — All handsome 
dresses of the period, shoes, roses, and plumes in their hats. 
The Cross of St. Louis upon some of the cloaks, and the Order 
suspended from the neck. 

Joseph. — A monk's brown frock, girdle, flesh-coloured stockings, and 
plain sandals. 

Huguet. — Buff jerkin, large red breeches, heavy boots and gauntlets, 
a gorget and morion. A bandoleer across the shoulder. 

Arqubusiers. — After the style of Huguet. 

Pages, Royal Guard.— Handsome civil and military dresses of the 
time. 

Francois. — First dress. "White and red doublet, cloak and breeches 
slightly trimmed with gold, shoes. Second, a half -military dis- 
guise, boots. Third, plain jerkin, &c. 

Julie. — White satin, trimmed with blue and silver. A handsome 
travelling wrapper for the Third Act. 

Marion de Lorjie. — Amber and gold, very rich in jewels and orna- 
ments. A veil for the Third Scene. 



RICHELI E U ; 



OR, 



THE CONSPIRACY. 



ACT I. 

FIRST DAT. \ 

SCENE I. 

A room in the house of Marion de Lorme ; a table r. 
{with wine, fruits, Sfc), at which are seated 
Baradas, l. of table, Four Courtiers, splendidly 
dressed in the costume of 1641-2 ; — the Duke op 
Orleans seated r. ; — Marion de Lorme standing at 
the bach of his chair, offers him a goblet, and then 
retires. At another table, l., De Beringhen, De 
Matjprat, playing at dice; — Clermont and other 
Courtiers looking on. 

Orleans (r. of table, drinking). Here's to our enter- 



prise 



! 



J$ar. (l. of table, glancing at Marion). Hush, Sir !- 

Orleans {aside). Nay, Count, 
Tou may trust her ; she doats on me ; no house t 
So safe as Marion's. 



10 RICHELIEU ; [ACT I. 

Bar. Still, we have a secret. 

And oil and water — woman and a secret — 
Are hostile properties. 

[Noise of playing at L. table. 
Orleans. Well — Marion, see 

How the play prospers yonder. 

[Marion goes to the L. table, looks on for a few 
moments, then exit, L. c. 

Bar, {'producing a parchment). I have now 
All the conditions drawn ; it only needs 
Our signatures: upon receipt of this, 
(Whereto is joined the schedule of our treaty 
With the Count-Duke, the Eichelieu of the Escurial,) 
Bouillon will join his army with the Spaniard, 
March on to Paris, — there, dethrone the King : 
Tou will be Eegent ; I, and ye, my Lords, 
Form the new Council. So much for the core 
Of our great scheme. 

[Noise at l. table. 

Orleans. But Eichelieu is an Argus ; 
One of his hundred eyes will light upon us# 
And then — good-bye to life. 

Bar. To gain the prize 

We must destroy the Argus : — ay, my Lords, 
The scroll the core, but blood must fill the veins. 
Of our design ; — while this despatch'd to Bouillon, 
Eichelieu despatch'd to Heaven ! — The last my charge. 
Meet here to-morrow night. You, Sir, as first 
In honour and in hope, meanwhile select 
Some trusty knave to bear the scroll to Bouillon ; 
Midst Eichelieu's foes Til find some desperate hand 
To strike for vengeance, while we stride to power. 



SCENE I.] OR, THE CONSPIRACY. 11 

Orleans. So be it ; — to-morrow, midnight. — Come, my 
Lords. 

['Exeunt Orleans, and the Courtiers in his train 
L. c. Those at the L. table rise, salute Orleans^ 
and re-seat themselves. 

De JBer. Double the stakes. 

De Mau. Done. — {Throws). 

De Ber. Bravo ; faith, it shames me 

To bleed a purse already at its last gasp. 

De Mau. Nay, as you've had the patient to yourself 
So long, no other doctor shall despatch it. 

[De Mauprat throws. 

Omnes. Lost ! Ha,' ha ! — poor De Mauprat ! 

De Ber. One throw more P 

De Mau. No; I am bankrupt {pushing gold). There 
goes all — except 
My honour and my sword. {They rise, he crosses &.) 

Cler. Ay, take the sword 

To Cardinal Eichelieu : he gives gold for steel, 
"When worn by brave men. 

De Mau. Eichelieu! 

De Ber. {to Ear.). At that name 

He changes colour, bites his nether lip. 
Even in his brightest moments whisper " Eichelieu/ 9 
And you cloud all his sunshine. 

Bar. I have mark'd it, 

And I will learn the wherefore. 

De Mau. {going to tahle, R.). The Egyptian 
Dissolved her richest jewel in a draught : 
"Would I could so melt time and all its treasures, 
And drain it thus {drinking). 



12 EICHELIEU; [ACT I. 

De Ber. Come, gentlemen, what say ye, 

A walk on the parade ? 

Oler. Ay ; come, De Mauprat. 

Be Mau. Pardon me ; we shall meet again ere night- 
fall. 

Be Ber. Come, Baradas. 

Bar. I'll stay and comfort Mauprat. 

Be Ber. Comfort ! — when 

We gallant fellows have run out a friend, 
There's nothing left — except to run him through ! 
There's the last act of friendship. 

Be Mau. Let me keep 

That favour in reserve ; in all besides 
Your most obedient servant. 

[Exeunt De Beringhen, Sfc, l. c. 

Bar. (l. a). You have lost — 

Yet are not sad. 

Be Mau. Sad ! — Life and gold hath wings, 

And must fly one day : — open, then, their cages 
And wish them merry. 

Bar. You're a strange enigma : — 

Fiery in war — and yet to glory lukewarm ; 
All mirth in action — in repose all gloom 
Fortune of late has sever' d us — and led 
Me to the rank^pf Courtier, Count and Favourite, 
You to the titles of the wildest gallant 
And bravest knight in France ; are you content ? 

[Maupbat goes up and sits l. of R. table. 

No ; — trust in me — some gloomy secret 

Be Mau. Ay : — 

A secret that doth haunt me, as, of old, 
Men were possess'd of fiends ! (Bises). — "Where'er I 
turn, 



SCENE I.] OR, THE CONSPIRACY. 13 

The grave yawns dark before me ! (crosses L.) — I will 

trust you ; — 
Hating the Cardinal, and beguiled by Orleans, 
You know I joined the Languedoc revolt — 
Was captured — sent to the B as tile- 

Bar. But shared 

The general pardon, which the Duke of Orleans 
Won for himself and all in the revolt v 
Who but obey'd his orders. 

Be Mau. Note the phrase ; — 

" Obey'd his orders" Well, when on my way 
To join the Duke in Languedoc, I (then 
The down upon my lip — less man than boy) 
Leading young valours — reckless as myself, 
Seized on the town of Faviaux, and displaced 
The Eoyal banners for the Eebel. Orleans. 
(Never too daring), when I reach 'd the camp, 
Blamed me for acting — mark — without his orders ; 
Upon this quibble Richelieu razed my name 
Out of the general pardon. 

Bar. Tet released you 

From the Bastile 

De Mau. To call me to his presence, 

And thus address me : — " Tou have seized a town 
Of France, without the orders of your leader, 
And for this treason, but one sentence— Death." 

Bar. Death ! 

Be Mau. " I have pity on your youth and birth, 
Nor wish to glut the headsman ; — join your troop, 
Now on the march against the Spaniards ; — change 
The traitor's scaffold for the soldier's grave ; — 
Tour memory stainless — they who shared your crime 
Exiled or dead — your king shall never learn it." 

Bar. Well?, 



14 RICHELIEU; [ACT I. 

De Ifau. You have heard if I fought bravely, — 

When the Cardinal 
Keview'd the troops — his eye met mine ; — he frown'd, 
Summon'd me forth — " How's this ? v quoth he : "you 

have shunn'd 
The sword — beware the axe ! — 'twill fall one day ! M 
He left me thus — we were recall' d to Paris, 
And — you know all! 

Bar. And, knowing this, why halt you, 

Spell' d by the rattle-snake, — while in the breasts 
Of your firm friends beat hearts, that vow the death 
Of your grim tyrant ? — Wake ! — -Be one of us ; 
The time invites — the King detests the Cardinal, 
Dares not disgrace — but groans to be deliver' d 
Of that too great a subject — join your friends, 
Free France, and save yourself. 

De Mau. Hush ! Eichelieu bears 

A charm'd life; — to all, who have braved his power, 
One common end — the block. 

Bar. Nay, if he live, 

The block your doom ; — 

De Mau. Better the victim, Count, 

Than the assassin. — France requires a Eichelieu, 
But does not need a Mauprat. Truce to this ; — 
All time one midnight, where my thoughts are spectres. 
"What to me fame ? — What love ? — 

[Crosses gloomily to E. 

Bar. Yet dost thou love not ? 

De Mau. Love ? — I am young 

Bar. And Julie fair ! {Mauprat sinks into a 

chair, R.) {Aside). It is so, 
Upon the margin of the grave — his hand 
Would pluck the rose that I would win and wear ! 



SCENE I.] OB, THE CONSPIRACY. 15 

De Mau. (starting up gaily). Since you have one 

secret, take the other ; — Never 
TTnbury either ! — Come (crosses l, and takes Ms hat 

from table) while yet we may, 
We'll bask us in the noon of rosy life : — 
Lounge through the gardens, — flaunt it in the taverns, — 
Laugh, — game, — drink, — feast: — if so confined my 

days, 
Faith, I'll enclose the nights, {goes to Baradas, who is 

E.) Pshaw ! not so grave ; 
I'm a true Frenchman ! — Vive la bagatelle ! 

[As they are going out, enter Huguet and four Arque- 
busiers L. c. ; they range at the bach of the entrance. 
Huguet enters the chamber. 

Huguet (l. a). Messire de Mauprat, — I arrest you! 
— Follow 
To the Lord Cardinal. 

De Mau. (n. a). You see, my friend, 
I'm out of my suspense ! — the tiger's play'd 
Long enough with his prey. — (Gives his sword to Hu- 
guet.) — Farewell ! — Hereafter 
Say, when men name me, " Adrien de Mauprat 
Lived without hope, and perish'd without fear ! " 

[Exeunt De Mauprat, Huguet, 8fc, l. c. 

Bar. Farewell ! — I trust for ever ! I design'd thee 

For Richelieu's murderer but, as well his martyr ! 

In childhood you the stronger — and I cursed you ; 
In youth the fairer — and I cursed you still ; 
And now my rival ! — "While the name of Julie 
Hung on thy lips — I smiled — for then I saw, 
In my mind's eye, the cold and grinning Death 
Hang o'er thy head the pall ! — By the King's aid 



16 RICHELIEU; [ACT L 

I will be Julie's husband — in despite 

Of my Lord Cardinal ! — by the King's aid 

I will be minister of France — in spite 

Of my Lord Cardinal! — And then — what then? 

The King loves Julie — feeble Prince — false master — 

[Producing and gazing on the parchment. 
Then, by the aid of Bouillon, and the Spaniard, 
I will dethrone the King ; and all — ha ! — ha! — 
All, in despite of my Lord Cardinal ! 

[Exit, L. 



SCENE II. 

A room in the Palais Cardinal, the walls hung with 
arras. A large screen r. tr. e. A table covered 
with hooks, papers, Sfc, c. A rude clock in a recess. 
Busts, statues, booJc-cases, weapons of different 
periods, and banners suspended over Eichelieu's 
chair. A panoply, a small and a two-handed 
sword, R. 

EiCHELiEU and Joseph, r. d. 

Bich. And so you think this new conspiracy 
The craftiest trap yet laid for the old fox ? — 
Eox! — Well, I like the nickname ! "What did Plutarch 
Say of the Greek Lysander ? 

Joseph. I forget. 

Bich. That where the lion's skin fell short, he eked it 
Out with the fox's ! A great statesman, Joseph, 
That same Lysander ! 

Joseph. Orleans heads the traitors. 

Rich. A very wooden head then ! Well ? 



HJENE II.] OR, THE CONSPIRACY. 17 

Joseph. The favourite, 

Count Baradas 

Rich. A weed of hasty growth ; 

First gentleman of the chamber — titles, lands, 
And the King's ear ! — It cost me six long winters 
To mount as high, as in six little moons 

This painted lizard But I hold the ladder, 

And when I shake — he falls What more ? 

Joseph. Tour ward has charmed the King 

Mich. Out on you ! 

Have I not, one by one, from such fair shoots 
Pluck'd the insidious ivy of his love ? 
And shall it creep around my blossoming tree 
"Where innocent thoughts, like happy birds, make music 
That spirits in heaven might hear? 
The King must have 

No goddess but the State : — the State — That's Eichelieu ! 

[Crosses and sits e. of table. 

Joseph (l.). This not the worst — Louis, in all decorous, 
And deeming you her least compliant guardian, 
Would veil his suit by marriage with his minion, 
Tour prosperous foe, Count Baradas ! 

Rich. Ha ! ha ! 

I have another bride for Baradas. 

Joseph. Tou, my Lord ? 

Rich. Ay — more faithful than the love 

Of fickle woman : — when the head lies lowliest, 
Clasping him fondest ; — Sorrow never knew 
So sure a soother, — and her bed is stainless! 

Enter Fbascois, l. d. 

Fran. Mademoiselle de Mortemar. 
Rich. Most opportune — admit her. 

\lLxit Francois, l. d. 
c 



18 RICHELIEU; [ACT I. 

In my closet 
You'll find a rosary, Joseph ; ere you tell 
Three hundred beads, I'll summon you. (Joseph going c.) 

Stay, Joseph ; — 
I did omit an Ave in my matins, — 
A grievous fault ; — atone it for me, Joseph ; 
There is a scourge within ; I am weak, you strong. 
It were but charity to take my sin 
On such broad shoulders. 
Joseph [aside). Troth, a pleasant invitation ! 

\_Exit Joseph, r. c. 

Enter Julie de Mortemar, l. d. 
(She goes to Richelieu and sits at his feet, R.) 

Rich. That's my sweet Julie ! 

Julie. Are you gracious ? — ■ 

May I say " Father ? " 

Rich. Now and ever ! 

Julie. Father! 

A sweet word to an orphan. 

Rich. No; not orphan 

"While Richelieu lives ; thy father loved me well ; 
My friend, ere I had flatterers (now, I'm great, 
In other phrase, I'm friendless) — he died young 
In years, not service, and bequeath'd thee to me; 
And thou shalt have a dowry, girl, to buy 
Thy mate amidst the mightiest. Drooping ? — sighs ? 
Art thou not happy at the court ? 

Julie. Not often. 

Rich, (aside). Can she love Baradas ? — 
Thou art admired — art young ; 
Does not his Majesty commend thy beauty — 
Ask thee to sing to him ? — and swear such sounds 
Had smooth'd the brows of Saul ? — 



SCENE IT.] OK, THE CONSPIRACY. 19 

Julie. He's very tiresome, 

Our worthy King. 

[Kichelieu, during this dialogue is writing. 

Rich. Eie ! kings are never tiresome, 

Save to their ministers. What courtly gallants 
Charm ladies most? — De Sourdiac, Cinq Mars, or 
The favourite Baradas ? 

Julie. A smileless man — 

I fear and shun him. 

Rich. Tet he courts thee ? 

Julie. Then 

He is more tiresome than his Majesty. 

Rich. Bight, girl, shun Baradas. — Yet of these flowers 
Of France, not one, in whose more honied breath 
Thy heart hears Summer whisper ? 

Enter Huguet, l. d. 

Huguet. The Chevalier 

De Mauprat waits below. 

Julie (starting up). De Mauprat! 

Rich. Hem ! 

He has been tiresome too ! — Anon. [Exit Huguet, l. d. 

Julie. What doth he ? — 

I mean — I — Does your Eminence — that is — 
Know you Messire de Mauprat ? 

Rich, (ivriting). Well! — and you 

Has he address' d you often ? 

Julie. Often ! — No — 

Nine times ; — nay, ten ; — the last time, by the lattice 
Of the great staircase. — (In a melancholy tone). The 
Court sees him rarely. 

Rich, {writing). A bold and forward royster ? 

Julie. He t — nay, modest, 

Gentle, and sad, methinks. 

o 2 



20 EICHELIEU; [ACT I. 

'Rich, (writing). Wears gold and azure ? 

Julie. No; sable. 

Mich. So you note his colours, Julie ? 

Shaine on you, child ; look loftier. By the mass, 
I have business with this modest gentleman. 

Julie. You're angry with poor Julie. There's no cause. 

Mich. No cause — you hate my foes ? 

Julie. I do ! 

Mich Hate Mauprat ? 

Julie. Not Mauprat. No, not Adrien, father. 

Rich. Adrien ! 

Familiar! — Go, child (Julie crosses to l.) ; no, — not 

that way ; — wait 
In the tapestry chamber; I will join you, — go. 

Julie (crosses to r., then pauses). His brows are knit; 
— I dare not call him father ! 

But I must speak — Tour Eminence (approaches him 

timidly). 

Mich, (sternly). "Well, girl ! 

Julie (kneels). ^ay, 

Smile on me — one smile more ; there, now I'm happy. 
Do not rank Mauprat with your foes ; he is not, 
I know he is not ; he loves France too well. 

Mich. Not rank De Mauprat with my foes ? So be it. 
I'll blot him from that list. 

Julie. That's my own father. \_Exit Julie, b. d. 

Mich, (ringing a small hell on the table) . Huguet ! 

Enter Huguet, l. d. 

De Mauprat struggled not, nor murmur'd ? 
Huguet. No ; proud and passive. 
Mich. Bid him enter. — Hold : 

Look that he hide no weapon. Humph ! despair 



SCENE II.] OR, THE CONSPIRACY. 2J. 

Makes victims sometimes victors. When he has enter' d 
Glide round unseen ; — place thyself yonder (pointing 

to the screen) ; watch him ; 
If he show violence — (let me see thy carbine (Huguet 

gives it to him) ; 
So, a good weapon) ; — if he play the lion, 
Why — the dog's death (returning the carbine). 

Huguet. I never miss my mark. 

\JExit Huguet l. d. ; Kichelieu resumes his pen, 
and slowly arranges the papers before him. 
Enter De Mauprat, preceded by Huguet, 
who then retires behind the screen, R. u. E. 

"Rich. Approach, Sir (Mauprat advances). — Can you 
call to mind the hour, 
Now three years since, when in this room, methinks, 
Your presence honoured me ? 

De Mau. (l. a). It is, my Lord, 

One of my most 

Rich, {drily). Delightful recollections. 

De Mau. (aside). St. Denis! doth he make a jest of 
are 
And headsman ? 

Rich, (sternly). I did then accord you 
A mercy ill requited — you still live ? 

Be Mau. To meet death face to face at last. 

Rich. Messire de Mauprat, 
Doom'd to sure death, how hast thou since consumed 
The time allotted thee for serious thought 
And solemn penitence ? 

De Mau. (embarrassed). The time, my lord ? 

Rich. Is not the question plain ? I'll answer for 
thee. 



.22 EICHELIEU; [ACT L 

Thou Last sought nor priest nor shrine ; no sackcloth 

chafed 
Thy delicate flesh. The rosary and the death's head 
Have not, with pious meditation, purged 
Earth from the carnal gaze. What thou hast not done 
Erief told ; what done, a volume ! Wild debauch, 
Turbulent riot : — for the morn the dice-box — 
Noon elaim'd the duel — and the night the wassail ; 
These, your most holy, pure preparatives, 
For death and judgment. Do I wrong you, Sir? 

De Mau. I was not always thus : — if changed my 
nature, 
Blame that which changed my fate. 
Were^you accursed with that which you inflicted — 
By bed and board, dogg'd by one ghastly spectre — 
The while within you youth beat high, and life 
Grew lovelier from the neighbouring frown of death — 
Were this your fate, perchance, 
Tou would have err'd like me ! 

Rich. I might, like you, 

Have been a brawler and a reveller ; not, 
Like you, a trickster and a thief. — 

De Mau. (advancing threateningly). Lord Cardinal ! 
Unsay those words ! — 

[Huguet deliberately raises the carbine. 

Rich, (waving his hand). Not quite so quick, friend 

Huguet; 
Messire de Mauprat is a patient man, 
And he can wait ! — 

[Huguet recovers, and withdraws behind the screen. 
You have outrun your fortune ; — 
I blame you not, that you would be a beggar — 
Each to his taste! -But I do charge you, Sir, 



SCENE II.] OR, TEE CONSPIRACY. 23 

That being beggar'd, you would coin false moneys 

Out of that crucible, called debt. — To live 

On means not yours — be brave in silks and laces, 

Gallant in steeds — splendid in banquets ; — all 

Not yours — given — uninherited — unpaid for; 

This is to be a trickster ; and to filch 

Men's art and labour, which to them is wealth, 

Life, daily bread, — quitting all scores with — " Friend, 

You re troublesome ! " — Why this, forgive me, 

Is what — when done with a less dainty grace — 

Plain folks call " Theft ! " — Tou owe eight thousand 

pistoles 
Minus one crown, two liards ! 

DeMau. (aside). The old conjurer ! 

Mich. This is scandalous, 

Shaming your birth and blood.- 1 tell you, Sir, 

That you must pay your debts. — 

De Mau. {advancing loldly to the table). With all my 
heart, 
My Lord. — Where shall I borrow, then, the money? 

Mich, (aside and laughing). A humorous dare-devil! — 
The very man 
To suit my purpose — ready, frank, and bold ! 
Adrien de Mauprat, men have called me cruel ; — 
I am not, — I am just ! — I found Prance rent asunder ;— « 
The rich men despots, and the poor banditti ; — 
Sloth in the mart, and schism within the temple; 
Brawls festering to Eebellion ; and weak Laws 
Rotting away with rust in antique sheaths. — 
I have re-created France ; and, from the ashes 
Of the old feudal and decrepit carcase, 
Civilisation, on her luminous wings, 
Soars, Phoenix-like, to Jove ! — What was my art ? 
Genius, some say, — some, Fortune, Witchcraft some. 



24 RICHELIEU ; [act I. 

Not so ; — my art was Justice ! — (i-ises) — Force and 

Fraud 
Misname it cruelty — you shall confute them ! 
My champion tou ! — You met me as your foe, 
Depart my friend — you shall not die. — France needs 

you. 
Tou shall wipe off all stains, — be rich, be honour 'd, 
Be great. 

[De Mauprat falls on Ms knee. 

I ask, Sir, in return, this hand, 
To gift it with a bride, whose dower shall match, 
Yet not exceed, her beauty. 

[Eichelieu raises Mm* 

De Man. I, my Lord, — (liesitating)— 

I have no wish to marry. 

Rich. Surely, Sir, 

To die were worse. 

De Man. Scarcely ; the poorest coward 

Must die, — but knowingly to march to marriage— 
My Lord, it asks the courage of a lion ! 

Rich. Traitor, thou triflest with me ! — I know all I 
Thou hast dared to love my ward — my charge. 

De Mau* As rivers 

May love the sunlight — basking in the beams, 
And hurrying on !— 

Rich. Thou hast told her of thy love ? 

De Man. My Lord, if I had dared to love a maid, 
Lowliest in France, I would not so have wronged her, 
As bid her link rich life and virgin hope 
With one, the deathman's gripe might, from her side, 
Pluck at the nuptial altar. 

Bich. I believe thee ; 



SCENE II.] OR, THE CONSPIRACY 25 

Yet since she knows not of thy love, r< nounce her ;— 
Take liie and fortune with another ! — Silent ? 

De Mau, Your fate has been one triumph — You know 
not 
How bless'd a thing it was in my dark hour 
To nurse the one sweet thought you bid me banish. 
Love hath no need of words ; — nor less within 
That holiest temple — the Heaven-builded soul- 
Breathes the recorded vow. — Base knight, — false lover 
Were he, who barter'd all, that sooth in grief, 
Or sanctified despair, for life and gold. 
[Revoke your mercy ; — I prefer the tate 
Ilook'dfor! 

'Rich. Huguet ! (Htjgtjet comes forward, e.) to 

the tapestry chamber 
Conduct your prisoner. (To Matjprat.) 

You will there behold 
The executioner :— your doom be private — 
And Heaven have mercy on you ! — 

De Mauprat crosses slowly to R. ; pauses ; tlien goes to 
Eichelieu. 

De Mau. When I am dead, 

Tell her, I loved her. 

Rich. Keep such follies, Sir, 

* For fitter ears ; — go 

De Mau. Does he mock me ? 

[Exeunt De Mauprat, and Huguet, e. d. 

Rich. Joseph, 

Come forth. 

Enter Joseph, r. c, down l. 
Methinks your cheek hath lost its rubies; 



26 eichelieu; [act I. 

I fear you have been too lavish of the flesh ; 
The scourge is heavy. 

Joseph. Pray you, change the subject. 

Mich. Tou good men are so modest ! — Well, to busi- 
ness! 
Go instantly — deeds — notaries ! — bid my stewards 
Arrange my house by the Luxembourg — my house 
No more ! — a bridal present to my ward, 
Who weds to-morrow. 

Joseph. Weds, with whom ? 

Rich. De Mauprat. 

Joseph. Penniless husband ! 

Mich. Bah! the mate for beauty 

Should be a man, and not a money-chest ! [Rises. 

Who else, 
Look you, in all the court — who else so well, 
Brave, or supplant the favourite ; — balk the King — 
Baffle their schemes ; — I have tried him : — He has 

honour 
And courage ; — qualities that eagle-plume 
Men's souls, — and fit them for the fiercest sun, 
Which ever melted the weak waxen minds 
That flutter in the beams of gaudy Power ! 
Besides, he has taste, this Mauprat : — When my play 
Was acted to dull tiers of lifeless gapers, 
Who had no soul for poetry, I saw him 
Applaud in the proper places : — {crosses L.) — trust me, 

Joseph, 
He is a man of an uncommon promise! 

Joseph. And yet your foe. 

Rich. Have I not foes enow ? — 

Great men gain doubly when they make foes friends. 
[Remember my grand maxima : — Pirst employ 
All methods to conciliate. 



SCENE II.] OR, THE CONSPIRACY. 27 

Joseph. Failing these ? 

Rich, {fiercely). All means to crush : as with the 
opening, and 
The clenching of this little hand, I will 
Crush the small venom of these stinging courtiers. 
So, so, we've baffled Baradas. 

Joseph. And when 

Check the conspiracy ? 

Rich. Check, check ? Full way to it. 

Let it bud, ripen, flaunt i' the day, and burst 
To fruit, — the Dead Sea's fruit of ashes ; ashes 
Which I will scatter to the winds. 

[Crosses and sits R. of table. 
Go, Joseph. 
[Exit Joseph, l. d. 

Enter De Mattprat and Julie, e. d. ; they kneel. 

De Mau. Oh. speak, my Lord — I dare not think you 
mock me. 
And yet 

Rich. How now ! Oh ! Sir — you live ! 

De Mau. Why, no, methinks, 

Elysium is not life ! 

Julie. He smiles ! — you smile, 

My father ! From my heart for ever, now, 
I'll blot the name of orphan ! 

Rich. Rise, my children, 

For ye are mine — mine both ; — and in your sweet 
And young delight — your love — (life's first-born glory) 
My own lost youth breathes musical ! [They rise. 

De Mau. I'll seek 

Temple and priest henceforward ; — were it but 
To learn Heaven's choicest blessings. 



28 RICHELIEU ; [act t. 

Mich. Thou shalt seek 

Temple and priest right soon ; the morrow's sun 
Shall see across these barren thresholds pass 
The fairest bride in Paris. — Go, my children ; 
Even I loved once ! — {they cross l.) — Be lovers while 
ye may ! 

As they are going Richelieu touches Maupeat on the E. 
shoulder and beckons him forward. 

How is it with you, Sir ? You bear it bravely : 
Tou know, it asks the courage of a lion. 

[Exeunt Julie and De Maupeat, l. d. 

'Rich. Oh, godlike Power ! Woe, Eapture, Penury, 
Wealth- 
Marriage and Death, for one infirm old man 
Through a great empire to dispense — withhold — 
As the will whispers ! And shall things — like motes 
That live in my daylight — lackeys of court wages, 
Dwarf 'd starvelings — manikins, upon whose shoulders 
The burthen of a province were a load 
More heavy than the globe on Atlas, — cast 
Lots for my robes and sceptre ? Prance ! I love thee ! 
All Earth shall never pluck thee from my heart ! 
My mistress France — my wedded wife, — sweet Prance, 
Who shall proclaim divorce for thee and me ! 

[Exit Richelieu, e. d. 



END OF ACT U 



SCENE I.] OR, THE CONSPIRACY. 29 



ACT II. 

SECOND DAT, 
SCEXE I. 

A splendid Apartment in Mauprat's new House. Case' 
menis opening to tlie Gardens, beyond which the domes 
of the Luxembourg Palace. 

Enter Bar ad as. 

Bar. Mauprat's new home : — too splendid for a sol- 
dier ! 
But o'er his floors — the while I stalk — methinks 
My shadow spreads gigantic to the gloom 
The old rude towers of the Bastile cast far 
Along the smoothness of the jocund day.— 
"Well, thou hast 'scaped the fierce caprice of Eichelieu ; 
But art thou farther from the headsman, fool ? 
Thy secret I have whisper' d to the King ; — 
Thy marriage makes the King thy foe. — Thou stand'st 
On the abyss — and in the pool below 
I saw a ghastly, headless phantom mirror'd ; — 
Thy likeness ere the marriage moon hath waned. 
Meanwhile — meanwhile — ha — ha, if thou art wedded, 
Thou art not wived. 

[Retires l. 



30 RICHELIEU; [act n. 

Enter Maupeat {splendidly dressed) E., crosses to L., 
and hack to E. 

De Mau. Was ever fate like mine ? 

So blest, and yet so wretched ! 

Bar. (comes forward l.). Joy, De Mauprat ! — 

Why, what a brow, man, for your wedding-day ! 

De Mau. You know what chanced between 

The Cardinal and myself. 

Bar. This morning brought 

Tour letter : — faith, a strange account ! I laugh'd 
And wept at once for gladness. 

Be Mau. We were wed 

At noon ; — the rite perform'd, came hither ; — scarce 
Arrived, when 

Bar. Well ? 

Be Mau. Wide flew the doors, and lo, 

Messire de Beringhen, and this epistle ! 

Bar. 'Tis the King's hand ! — the royal seal ! 

Be Mau. Eead — read — 

Bar. (reading). " Whereas Adrien de Mauprat, 
Colonel and Chevalier in our armies, being already 
guilty of High Treason, by the seizure of our town of 
Faviaux, has presumed, without our knowledge, con- 
sent, or sanction, to connect himself by marriage with 
Julie de Mortemar, a wealthy orphan attached to the 
person of Her Majesty, without our knowledge or con- 
sent — We do hereby proclaim and declare the said 
marriage contrary to law. On penalty of death, Adrien 
de Mauprat will not communicate with the said Julie 
de Mortemar by word or letter, save in the presence of 
our faithful servant the Sieur de Beringhen, and then 
with such respect and decorum as are due to a 
Demoiselle attached to the Court of France, until such 
time as it may suit our royal pleasure to confer with 



SCENE I.] OR, THE CONSPIRACY. 31 

the Holy Church on the formal annulment of the mar- 
riage, and with our Council on the punishment to be 
awarded to Messire de Mauprat, who is cautioned for 
his own sake to preserve silence as to our injunction, 
more especially to Mademoiselle de Mortemar. 

" Given under our hand and seal at the Louvre. 

" Louis." 

Bar. (returning the letter). Amazement ! — Did not 
Eichelieu say, the King 
Knew not your crime ? 

Be Mau. He said so. 

Bar. Poor de Mauprat ! 

See you the snare, the vengeance worse than death, 
Of which you are the victim ? 

Be Mau. Ha 

Bar. (aside). It works ! 

"What so clear? 
Eichelieu has but two passions 

Be Mau. Eichelieu! 

Bar. Tes ! 

Ambition and revenge — in you both blended. 
First for Ambition — Julie is his ward, 
Innocent — docile — pliant to his will — 
He placed her at the court — foresaw the rest—* 
The King loves Julie ! 

Be Mau. Merciful Heaven ! The King ! 

Bar. Such Cupids lend new plumes to Eichelieu's 
wings : 
But the court etiquette must give such Cupids 
The veil of Hymen — (Hymen but in name). 
He looked abroad — found you his foe : — thus served 
Ambition — by the grandeur of his ward, 
And vengeance— by dishonour to his foe ! 

Be Mau. Prove this. 



32 RICHELIEU; [ACT II. 

Bar. You have the proof — the royal Letter : — 

Your strange exemption from the general pardon, 
Known but to me and Eichelieu; can you doubt 
Your friend to acquit yonr foe ? 

Be Mau. I see it all ! — Mock pardon — hurried nup- 
tials — 
False bounty ! — all ! — the serpent of that smile ! 
Oh ! it stings home ! [Crosses L. 

Bar. You yet shall crush his malice ; 

Oar plans are sure : — Orleans is at our head ; 
We meet to-night ; join us, and with us triumph. 

Be Mau. To-night? But the King ?— but Jaiie ? 

Bar. The King, infirm in health, in mind more 
feeble, 
Is but the plaything of a minister's will. 
AVere Eichelieu dead — his power w r ere mine ; and Louis 
Soon should forget his passion and your crime. 

[Maupeat goes to L. 
But whither now ? 

Be Mau. I know not; I scarce hear thee ; 

A little while for thought : anon I'll join thee; 
But now, all air seems tainted, and I loathe 
The face of man ! 

[Exit De Maupeat, l. 

Bar. Start from the chase, my prey, 

But as thou speed'st the hell-hounds of Revenge 
Pant in thy track and dog thee down. 

Enter De Bebinghen, b., his mouth full, a napkin in 
Ms hand. 
Be Ber. Chevalier, 

Your cook's a miracle, — what, my host gone ? 
Faith, Count, my office is a post of danger — 
A fiery fellow, Mauprat ! touch and go,— * 
Match and saltpetre, — pr — r — r — r — ! 



SCENE I.] OR, THE CONSPIRACY. 33 

Bar. You 

"Will be released ere long. The King resolves 
To call the bride to court this day. 

Be Ber. Poor Mauprat I 

Tet, since you love the lady, why so careless 
Of the King's suit ? 
Is Louis still so chafed against the Fox 
For snatching yon fair dainty from the Lion ? 

Bar. So chafed, that Eichelieu totters. Yes, the King 
Is half conspirator against the Cardinal. 
Enough of this. I've found the man we wanted, — 
The man to head the hands that murder Eichelieu, — 
The man, whose name the synonym for daring. 

Be Ber. He must mean me ! — No, Count, I am — 
I own, 
A valiant dog — but still 

Bar. "Whom can I mean 

But Mauprat ? — Mark, to-night we meet at Marion's, 
There shall we sign : thence send this scroll (showing it) 

to Bouillon. 
You're in that secret (affectionately) — one of our new 
Council. 

De Ber. But to admit the Spaniard — France's foe — 
Into the heart of France, — dethrone the King, — 
It looks like treason, and I smell the headsman. 

Bar. Oh, Sir, too late to falter : when we meet 
"We must arrange the separate — coarser scheme, 
For Richelieu's death. Of this despatch De Mauprat 
Must nothing learn. He only bites at -vengeance, 
And he would start from treason. — ¥e must post him 
"Without the door at Marion's — as a sentry. 
(Aside) — So, when his head is on the block — his tongue 
Cannot betray our more august designs ! 



34 KICHELIEU; [ACT IT., 

Be Ber. I'll meet you if the King can spare me. — 
{Aside). No ! 
I am too old a goose to play with foxes, 
I'll roost at home. Meanwhile in the next room 
There's a delicious pate, let's discuss it. 

Bar. Pshaw ! a man filled with a sublime ambition 
Has no time to discuss your pates. 

De JBer. Pshaw ! 

And a man filled with as sublime a pate 
Has no time to discuss ambition. — Gad, 
I have the best of it ! [Exit R. 

Bar. Now will this fire his fever into madness ! 
All is made clear : Mauprat must murder Richelieu — 
Die for that crime : — I shall console his Julie — 
This will reach Bouillon ! — from the wrecks of Prance 
I shall carve out — who knows — perchance a throne ! 
All in despite of my Lord Cardinal. 

Enter De Matjpbat, l. 

De Mau. Speak! can it be? — Met hough % that from 
the terrace 
I saw the carriage of the King — and Julie ! 
No ! — no ! — my frenzy peoples the void air 
"With its own phantoms ! 

Bar. Nay, too true. — Alas ! 

"Was ever lightning swifter, or more blasting, 
Than Eichelieu's forked guile ? 

Be Mau. I'll to the Louvre 

Bar. And lose all hope ! — The Louvre ! — the sure 
gate 
To the Bastile ! 

Be Mau. The King 

Bar. Is but the wax, 



SCENE II.J 0E, THE CONSPIRACY. 35 

Which Eichelieu stamps ! Break the malignant seal, 
And I will rase the print. 
' Be Mau. Ghastly Vengeance ! 

To thee, and thine august and solemn sister, 
The unrelenting Death, I dedicate 
The blood of Armand Eichelieu ! "When Dishonour 
Eeaches our hearths Law dies, and Murther takes 
The angel shape of Justice ! [Crosses, k. 

Bar. Bravely said ! 

At midnight, — Marion's ! — Nay, I cannot leave thee 
To thoughts that 

Be Mau. Speak not to me ! — I am yours ! — 

But speak not ! There's a voice within my soul, 
Whose cry could drown the thunder. — Oh ! if men 
Will play dark sorcery with the heart of man, 
Let they, who raise the spell, beware the Fiend ! 

[Exeunt, e» 



SCENE II. 

A room in tlie Palais Cardinal (as in the Mrst Act). 
Eichelieu and Joseph, l. d. 
Ekancois discovered arranging the footstool. 

Joseph, (l.). Yes ; — Huguet, taking his accustom'd 
round, — 
Disguised as some plain burgher, — heard these rufflers 
Quoting your name :— he listen'd, — " Pshaw ! " said one, 
" We are to seize the Cardinal in his palace 
To-morrow ! ' — " How ? " the other ask'd :— " You'll 

hear 
The whole design to-night ; the Duke of Orleans 

d 2 



36 EICHELIEU; [ACT II. 

And Baradas have got the map of action 

At their fingers' end." — " So be it," quoth the other, 

" I will be there, — Marion de Lorme's — at midnight ! " 

Rich. I have them, man, — I have them ! 

Joseph. So they saj 

Of you, my Lord ; — believe me, that their plans 
Are mightier than you deem. You must employ 
Means no less vast to meet them ! 

Rich. Bah ! in policy 

"We foil gigantic danger, not by giants, 
But dwarfs. — The statues of our stately fortune 
Are sculptured by the chisel — not the axe ! 
Ah ! were I younger — by the knightly heart 
That beats beneath these priestly robes, I would 
Have pastime with these cut-throats ! — Tea, — as when, 
Lured to the ambush of the expecting foe, — 
I clove my pathway through the plumed sea ! 
Beach me yon falchion, Francois, — not that bauble 
For carpet- warriors, — yonder — such a blade 
As old Charles Martel might have wielded when 
He drove the Saracen from France. 

[Fkakcois brings him one of the long two-handtr 
swords worn in the middle ages. 

With this 
I, at Bochelle, did hand to hand engage 
The stalwart Englisher, — no mongrels, boy, 
Those island mastiffs, — mark the notch — a deep one— 
His casque made here, — I shore him to the waist ! 
A toy — a feather — then ! 

[Tries to wield, and lets it fa 

Tou see, a child could 
Slay Bichelieu now. 

[Eetires to the table and sits 



EKE II.] OE, THE CONSPIRACY. 37 

Eh" an. (his hand on his hilt). But now, at your command 

e other weapons, my good Lord. 

Rich {who has seated himself as to write, lifts the pen). 

True —This ! 
neath the rule of men entirely great 
le pen is mightier than the sword. Behold 
- arch-enchanter's wand ! — itself a nothing ! — 
But taking sorcery from the master-hand 
To paralyse the Caesars — and to strike 

loud earth breathless ! — Take away the sword — 
Mates can be saved without it ! [Looking on the clock. 
[Fban£OIS replaces the sword. 

'Tis the hour, — 
Retire, Sir. 

[Fba:n"cois crosses behind and exit by b. d. Three 
knocks are heard, l. u. e. Bichelieu repeats 
them. A door concealed in the arras opens cau- 
tiously. Enter Mabiost de Lorme, l. tj. e. 

Joseph (amazed). Marion de Lorme ! 

[She passes behind to the e. of Bichelieu. 

Rich. Hist ! — Joseph, 

3ep guard. 

[Joseph retires, d. b. 

My faithful Marion ! 
Sar, (kneeling). Good, my Lord, 

> meet to-night in my poor house. The Duke 
Orleans heads them. 
Rich, Yes — go on. 

Mar. His Highness 

ach question' d if I knew some brave, discreet, 
\ ud vigilant man, whose tongue could keep a secret, 



3S RICHELIEU; [ACT IL 

And who had those twin qualities for service, 
The love of gold, the hate of Kichelieu. — 

Bich. You?— 

Mar. Made answer, u Yes — my brother ; — bold and 
trusty ; 
Whose faith, my faith could pledge ; "—the Duke then 

bade me 
Have him equipp'd and arm'd — well-mounted — ready 
This night to 'part for Italy. 

Rich. Aha ! — 

Has Bouillon too turn'd traitor ! — So, meth ought ! — 
What part of Italy ? 

Mar. The Piedmont frontier, 

Where Bouillon lies encamp'd. 

Bich. Now there is danger! 

Great danger ! — If he tamper with the Spaniard, 
And Louis list not to my counsel, as, 
Without sure proof, he will not, — France is lost. 
What more ? 

Marion. Dark hints of some design to seize 
Your person in your palace. Nothing clear — 
His Highness trembled while he spoke — the words 
Did choke each other. 

Bich. So !— who is the brother 

You recommended to the Duke ? 

Marion. Whoever 

Your Eminence may father ! 

Bich. Darling Marion ! 

\_Bises and goes to the table and returns with a 
large purse of gold. 

There — pshaw — a trifle! — (Gives the purse to Mabion). 
You are sure they meet ? — the hour ? 

Marion. At midnight. 



SCENE II.] OK, THE CONSPIRACY. 39 

Midi. And 

You will engage to give the Duke's despatch 
To whom I send ? 

Marion. Ay, marry ! 

Bicli. (aside). Huguet? No; 

He will be wanted elsewhere, — Joseph ? — zealous, 
But too well known— too much the elder brother ! 
Mauprat — alas — it is his wedding-day ! — 
Francois? — the Man of Men! — unnoted — young — 
Ambitious — (goes to the door) — Francois ! 
| Enter Fbancois, l. d. 

Bich7 Follow this fair lady ; 

(Find him the suiting garments, Marion,) take 
My fleetest steed : — arm thyself to the teeth; 
A packet will be given you — with orders, 
No matter what ! — The instant that your hand 
Closes upon it — clutch it, like your honour, 
Which Death alone can steal, or ravish — set 
Spurs to your steed — be breathless, till you stand 
Again before me. — (Fkancois is going) — Stay, Sir! — 

Tou will find me 
Two short leagues hence — at Ruelle, in my castle. 
Young man, be blithe ! — for — note me — from the hour 
I grasp that packet — think your guardian Star 
Bain's fortune on you! — 

Fran. If I fail 

BicJi. Fail— fail ? 

In the lexicon of youth, which Fate reserves 
For a bright manhood, there is no such word 
As— fail! — (You will instruct him further, Marion.) 

[Mabion crosses "behind to l. tj. e. 
Follow her — but at a distance ; — speak not to her, 
Till you are housed. — Farewell, boy ! Never say 
" Fail " again. 



40 richelieu; [act II. 

Fran. I will not ! 

Rich, (patting his locks). There's my young hero ! — 
[Exeunt Francois and Marion, l. u. e. 

Rich. So, they would seize my person in this palace ? — 
I cannot guess their scheme; — but my retinue 
Is here too large ! — a siogle traitor could 
Strike impotent the faith of thousands ;— Joseph, 

Enter Joseph, l. d. 

Art sure of Huguet ? — Think — we hanged his Father! 
Joseph. But you have bought the Son ; — heap'd 

favours on him ! 
Rich. Trash ! — favours past — that's nothing (crosses l.) 
— In his hours 
Of confidence with you, has he named the favours 
To come — he counts on ? 

Joseph. Yes : — a Colonel's rank, 

And Letters of Nobility. 

[Here Huguet enters, as to address tlie Cardinal, 
who does not perceive him. 

Rich. What, Huguet !— 

Huguet. My own name, soft {retires and listens). 

Rich. Colonel and Nobleman ! 

My bashful Huguet — that can never be ! — 
"We have him not the less — we'll promise it ! 
And see the King withholds ! — Ah, kings are oft 
A great convenience to a minister ! 
No wrong to Huguet either ; — Moralists 
Say, Hope is sweeter than Possession ! — Yes ! 
We'll count on Huguet ! 

Huguet. Ay, to thy cost, thou tyrant. [Exit L. D. 

Rich. You are right; this treason 
Assumes a fearful aspect: — but, once crush'd, 
Its very ashes shall manure the soil 



SCENE II.] OR, THE CONSPIRACY. 41 

Of power ; and ripen such full sheaves of greatness, 
That all the summer of my fate shall seem 
Fruitless beside the autumn! 

Joseph. The saints grant it ! 

'Rich, [solemnly). Yes — for sweet France, Heaven 
grant it ! — my country, 
For thee— thee only — though men deem it not — 
Are toil and terror my familiars ! — I 
Have made thee great and fair — upon thy brows 
Wreath'd the old Eoman laurel : — at thy feet 
Bow'd nations down. — No pulse in my ambition 
Whose beatings were not measured from thy heart ! 
And while I live — Eichelieu and France are one. 

[Crosses to b. 

Enter Hugttet, l. d. 

Huguet. My Lord Cardinal, 

Your Eminence bade me seek you at this hour. 

'Rich, {crossing, c.) Did I ? — True, Huguet. — So you 
overheard 
Strange talk amongst these gallants ? Snares and traps 
For Eichelieu ? — Well — we'll balk them ; let me think — 
The men-at-arms you head— how many ? 

Huguet. Twenty, 

My Lord. 

Eich All trusty ? 

Huguet. -Aye, my Lord, 

Rich. Ere the dawn be grey, 

All could be arm'd, assembled, and at Euelle 
In my old hall ? 

Huguet. By one hour after midnight. 

Rich. The castle's strong. You know its outlets, 
Huguet ? 
Would twenty men, well posted, keep such guard 



42 RICHELIEU ; [act n. 

That not one step — (and Murther's step is stealthy) — 
Could glide within — unseen ? 

Huguet. A triple wall — 

A drawbridge and portcullis — twenty men 
Under my lead, a month might hold that castle 
Against a host. 

Rich. They do not strike till morning, 

Tet I will shift the quarter — Bid the grooms 
Prepare the litter — I will hence to Euelle 
While daylight lasts — and one hour after midnight 
You and your twenty saints shall seek me thither ! 
You're made to rise ! — You are, Sir ; — eyes of lynx, 
Ears of the stag, a footfall like the snow ; 
You are a valiant fellow ; — yea, a trusty, 
Keligious, exemplary, incorrupt, 
And precious jewel of a fellow, Huguet ! 
If I live long enough, — ay, mark my words, — 
If I live long enough, you'll be a Colonel — 
ISToble, perhaps ! — One hour, Sir, after midnight. 

Huguet. You leave me dumb with gratitude, 
Lord; 
I'll pick the trustiest — {aside) — Marion's house can 
furnish ! [Exit Hugtjet 9 l. d. 

Midi. Good — all favours, 

If Francois be but bold, and Huguet honest. — 
Huguet — I half suspect — he bow'd too low — 
'Tis not his way. 

Joseph. This is the curse, my Lord, 

Of your high state ; — suspicion of all men. 

Eich. (sadly). True; — true; — my leeches bribed to 
poisoners ; — pages 
To strangle me in sleep. — My very King 
(This brain the unresting loom, from which was woven 
The purple of his greatness) leagued against me. 



SCENE II.] OR, THE CONSPIRACY. 43 

Old — childless — friendles s — broken — all forsake — 
All— all— but 

Joseph. "What ? 

'Rich. The indomitable heart 

Of Armand Bichelieu! [Crosses b. 

Joseph. And Joseph 

Rich, {after a pause). You 

Yes, I believe you — yes — for all men fear you — 

And the world loves you not. And I, friend Joseph^ 

I am the only man who could, my Joseph, 

Make you a Bishop. — Come, we'll go to dinner, 

And talk the while of methods to advance 

Our Mother Church. — Ah, Joseph, — Bishop Joseph! 

[Exeunt b. 



SBD OF ACT TL 



44 EICHELIEU I [ACT III. 



ACT III, 

SECOND DAT (MIDNIGHT). 

SCENE I. 

Kichelieu's Castle at Ruelle. A Gothic Chamber. 
Moonlight at the ivindow, occasionally obscured. Large 
doors, c. ; small doors, E. and L. 

Rich, (reading). " In silence, and at night, the Con- 
science feels 
That life should soar to nobler ends than Power." 
So say est thou, sage and sober moralist ! 
O ! ye, whose hour-glass shifts its tranquil sands 
In the unvex'd silence of a student's cell ; 
Te, whose untempted hearts have never toss'd 
Upon the dark and stormy tides where life 
Gives battle to the elements, — 

Te safe and formal men, 
"Who write the deeds, and with unfeverish hand 
"Weigh in nice scales the motives of the Great, 
Te cannot know what ye have never tried ! 
Speak to me, moralist ! — I'll heed thy counsel. 
"Were it not best 



SCENE I.] OK, THE CONSPIRACY. 45 

Enter Fkaitcois nastily, and in part disguised, 
d. l. s. E. 

Bich. {flinging away the hook). Philosophy, thou liest! 
Quick — the despatch ! Power — Empire ! Boy — the 
packet ! 

Fran, (kneeling). Kill me, my Lord. 

Rich. They knew thee — they suspected — 
They gave it not 

Fran. He gave it— he — the Count 

De Baradas — with his own hand he gave it ! 

Bich. Baradas ! Joy ! out with it ! 

Fran. Listen, 

And then dismiss me to the headsman. 

Bich. Ha ! 

Go on. 

Fran. They led me to a chamber — There 
Orleans and Baradas — and some half-score, 
"Whom I know not — were met 

Bich. Not more ! 

Fran. But from 

The adjoining chamber broke the din of voices, 
The clattering tread of armed men ; at times 
A shriller cry, that yell'd out, " Death to Eichelieu ! " 

Bich. Speak not of me : thy country is in danger ! 

Fran. Baradas 

Questioned me close — demurr'd — until, at last, 
O'erruled by Orleans, — gave the packet — told me 

That life and death were in the scroll — this gold 

(showing a purse) 

Bich. G-old is no proof 

Fran. And Orleans promised thousands, 

"When Bouillon's trumpets in the streets of Paris 
Eang out shrill answer. — Hastening from the house, 



46 eichelieu; [act m. 

My footstep in the stirrup, Marion stole 

Across the threshold, whispering, " Lose no moment 

Ere Eichelieu have the packet : tell him too — 

Murder is in the winds of Night, and Orleans 

Swears, ere the dawn the Cardinal shall be clay.'* 

She said, and trembling fled within; when, lo ! 

A hand of iron griped me ; thro' the dark 

Gleam'd the dim shadow of an armed man : 

Ere I could draw — the prize was wrested from me, 

And a hoarse voice gasp'd — " Spy, I spare thee, for 

This steel is virgin to thy Lord ! " with that 

He vanish'd. — Scared and trembling for thy safety, 

I mounted, fled, and kneeling at thy feet 

Implore thee to acquit my faith — but not, , 

Like him, to spare my life. 

Rich, "Who spake of life t 

I bade thee grasp that treasure as thine honour — 
A jewel worth whole hecatombs of lives ! (rises) 
Begone ! — redeem thine honour — back to Marion— 
Or Baradas — or Orleans — track the robber — 
Regain the packet — or crawl on to Age — 
Age and grey hairs like mine — and know, thou hast lost 
That which had made thee great and saved thy 
country. — (Crosses e.) [Francois rises* 

See me not till thou'st bought the right to seek me. — 
Away ! — ]N"ay, cheer thee, thou hast not fail'd yet, — 
There's no such word as "fail ! " 

Fran. Bless you, my Lord, 

Eor that one smile ! \lHxit l. i>. 

Bich. He will win it yet. 

Francois ! — He's gone. My murder ! Marion's warning ! 
This bravo's threat ! for the morrow's dawn! 
I'll set my spies to work — I'll make all space 
(As does the sun) an Universal Eye— 



SCENE I.] OP., THE CONSPIRACY. 47 

Huguet shall track — Joseph confess — ha ! ha ! 
Strange, while I laugh'd I shudder 'd — and ev'n now 
Thro' the chill air the beating of my heart 
Sounds like a death-watch by a sick man's pillow ; 
If Huguet could deceive me — hoofs without — 
The gates unclose — steps nearer and nearer ! 

Enter Julie, l. d. s. e. 

Julie. Cardinal ! 

My father ! [Falls at his feet, 

Bich. Julie at this hour ! — and tears ! 
What ails thee ? 

Julie. I am safe ; I am with thee ! — 

Rich. Safe! 

Julie. That man- 

Why did I love him ?— clinging to a breast 
That knows no shelter ? 

Listen — late at noon — 
The marriage-day — ev'n then no more a lover — 
He left me coldly, — well, — I sought my chamber 
To weep and wonder — but to hope and dream. 
Sudden a mandate from the King — to attend 
Forthwith his pleasure at the Louvre. 

Bich. Ha ! 

You did obey the summons ; and the King 
EeproacK'd your hasty nuptials. 

Julie. Were that all ! 

He frown'd and chid ; proclaim'd the bond unlawful : 
Bade me not quit my chamber in the palace, 
And there at night — alone — this night — all still — 
He sought my presence — dared — thou read'st the heart, 
Eead mine ! I cannot speak it! 

Bich. He a King, — 

You — woman ; well ? — you yielded ! 



48 RICHELIEU; [ACT III. 

Julie. . Cardinal — 

Dare you say "yielded?" — Humbled and abash'd, 
He from the chamber crept — this mighty Louis ; 
Crept like a baffled felon ! — yielded ? Ah ! 
More royalty in woman's honest heart 
Than dwells. within the crowned majesty 
And sceptred anger of a hundred kings ! 
Yielded ! — Heavens ! — yielded ! [Goes l.] 

Rich. To my breast, — close — close ! 

\_They embrace.] 
The world would never need a Eichelieu, if 
Men — bearded, mailed men — the Lords of Earth — 
Resisted flattery, falsehood, avarice, pride 
As this poor child with the dove's innocent scorn 
Her sex's tempters, Vanity and Power ! — 
He left you — well ! 

Julie. Then came a sharper trial ! 

At the King's suit the Count de Earadas 
Sought me to soothe, to fawn, to flatter, while 
On his smooth lip insult appear'd more hateful. 

Stung at last 
Ey my disdain, the dim and glimmering sense 
Of his cloak'd words broke into bolder light, 
And then — ah ! then, my haughty spirit fail'd me ! 
Then I was weak — wept — oh ! such bitter tears ! 
For (turn thy face aside and let me whisper 
The horror to thine ear) then did I learn 
That he — that Adrien — my husband — knew 
The King's polluting suit, and deemed it honour! 
Then all the terrible and loathsome truth 
Glared on me ; — coldness, waywardness, reserve — 
Mystery of looks — words— all unravell'd, — and 
I saw the impostor, where I had loved the god ! 

Rich. I think thou wrong 'st thy husband — but proceed. 






SCENE I.] OR, THE CONSPIRACY. 49 

Julie. Did you say " wrong'd " him ? — Cardinal, my 
father, 
Did you say " wrong'd ? " Prove it, and life shall grow 
One prayer for thy reward and his forgiveness. 

Rich. Let me know all. 

Julie. To the despair he caused 

The courtier left me ; but amid the chaos 
Darted one guiding ray — to 'scape — to fly — . 

Eeach Adrien, learn the worst — 'twas then near mid* 

night : 
Trembling I left my chamber — sought the queen — 
Fell at her feet — reveal'd the unholy peril — 
Implored her aid to flee our joint disgrace. 
Moved, she embraced and soothed me — nay, preserved; 
Her word sufficed to unlock the palace-gates : 
I hasten'd home — but home was desolate, — 
No Adrien there ! Fearing the worst, I fled 
To thee, directed hither. As my wheels 
Paused at thy gates — the clang of arms behind — 
The ring of hoofs 

'Rich. 'Twas but my guards, fair trembler. 

(So Huguet keeps his word, my omens wrong'd him.) 

Julie. Oh, in one hour what years of anguish crowd ! 

Rich. Nay, there's no danger now. Thou needest 
rest. [Takes a lamp from the table, c. 

Come, thou shalt lodge beside me. Tush ! be cheer'd. 
My rosiest Amazon — thou wrong'st thy Theseus. 
All will be will — yes, yet all well. 

[Exeunt through a side door, e. s. e. 

Enter Huguet — De Mauprat, l. d., in complete 
armour, his vizor down. The moonlight obscured at the 
casement. 

Huguet. Not here ! 

E 



50 RICHELIEU; [ACT III. 

Ee Mau. Oh, I will find him, fear not. Hence and 
guard [Crosses, E. 

The galleries where the menials sleep — plant sentries 
At every outlet — Chance should throw no shadow 
Between the vengeance and the victim ! Go ! — 

Huguet. "Will you not want 

A second arm ? 

Ee Mau. To slay one weak old man ? — 

Away ! Iso lessor wrongs than mine can make 
This murder lawful. Hence ! 

Huguet. A short farewell ! 

[Exit Huguet, l. d. 

De Maupeat conceals himself, e. 

"Re-enter Richelieu {not perceiving De Maupeat), e. d. 

Rich. How heavy is the air ! — 

[Goes to the table and puts down the lamp. 
The very darkness lends itself to fear — 
To treason 

Ee Mau. And to death ! 

Rich, My omens lied not ! 

"What art thou, wretch ? 

Ee Mau. Thy doomsman ! 

Rich. (Maupeat seizes him?) Ho, my guards ! 

uguet! Montbrassil! Vermont! 

Ee Mau. Ay, thy spirits 

Forsake thee, wizard ; thy bold men of mail 
Are my confederates. Stir not! but one step, 
And know the next — thy grave ! 

Rich. Thou liest, knave ! 

I am old, infirm — most feeble — but thou liest ! 

[Richelieu throws him off. 
Armand de Richelieu dies not by the hand 
Of man — the stars have said it — and the voice 



SCENE I.] OR, THE CONSPIRACY, 51 

Of my own prophet and oracular soul 

Confirms the shining Sibyls ! Call them all 

Thy brother butchers ! Earth has no such fiend — 

No ! as one parricide of his fatherland, 

"Who dares in Eichelieu murder France ! [Goes L. 

De Mau. Thy stars 

Deceive thee, Cardinal ; 
In his hot youth, a soldier, urged to crime 
Against the State, placed in your hands his life ; — 
Tou did not strike the blow — but o'er his head, 
Upon the gossamer thread of your caprice, 
Hover' d the axe. 
One day you summon' d — mock'd him with smooth 

pardon — 
Bade an angel's face 
Turn Earth to Paradise 

Bich. Well! 

De Mau. Was this mercy? 

A Caesar's generous vengeance ? — Cardinal, no ! 
Judas, not Caasar was the model ! Tou 
Saved him from death for shame ; reserved to grow 
The scorn of living men — 
A kind convenience — a Sir Pandarus 
To his own bride, and the august adulterer ! 
Then did the first great law of human hearts, 
Which with the patriot's, not the rebel's, name, 
Crown'd the first Brutus, when the Tarquin fell, 
Make Misery royal — raise this desperate wretch 
Into thy destiny ! Expect no mercy ! 
Behold De Mauprat ! 

{Lifts his vizor. 

Rich. To thy knees, and crawl 

Eor pardon ; or, I tell thee, thou shalt live 
Eor such remorse, that, did I hate thee, I 

e 2 



52 RICHELIEU ; [act m. 

Would bid thee strike, that I might be avenged ! 

It was to save my Julie from the King, 

That in thy valour I forgave thy crime ; — 

It was, when thou — the rash and ready tool — 

Tea of that shame thou loath 'st — didst leave thy hearth 

To the polluter — in these arms thy bride 

Pound the protecting shelter thine withheld. 

[ Goes to the side door, E. 
Julie de Mauprat — Julie ! 

[Maupeat crosses to L. 

Enter Julie. 

Lo ! my witness ! 
De Mau. (l.). "What marvel's this? — I dream! my 

Julie — thou! 
Julie (e.). Henceforth all bond 

Between us twain is broken. "Were it not 
For this old man, I might, in truth, have lost 
The right — now mine — to scorn thee ! 

'Rich, (a). So, you hear her ? 

De Man. Thou with some slander hast her sense 

infected ! 
Julie. No, Sir : he did excuse thee. 
Thj friend — 
Thy confidant — familiar — Daradas — ■ 
Himself reveal'd thy baseness. 

De Mau. Baseness ! 

Rich. ' Ay ; 

That thou didst court dishonour. 

De Mau. Baradas ! 

"Where is thy thunder, Heaven ? — Duped ! — snared ! — 
undone ! — 

[Sheaths his sword. 



SCENE I.] OR, THE CONSPIRACY. oG 

Thou — thou couldst not believe him ! Thou dost love 
me! 

Julie (aside). Love him ! — Ah ! 

Be still my heart ! (Aloud). Love you I did: — how 

fondly, 
"Woman — if women were my listeners now — 
Alone could tell ! — For ever fled my dream : 
Farewell — all's over ! 

Bicli. Nay, my daughter, these 

Are but the blinding mists of daybreak love 
Sprung from its very light, and heralding 
A noon of happy summer. Take her hand 
And speak the truth, with which your heart runs over — 
That this Count Judas — this Incarnate Falsehood — 
Never lied more, than when he told thy Julie 
That Adrien loved her not — except, indeed, 
When he told Adrien, Julie could betray him. 

[Mauprat crosses to Julie. 

Julie {embracing De Mauprat). You love me, then! 
— you love me ! — and they wrong'd you ! 

De Mau. Ah ! couldst thou doubt it ? 

Rich. Why, the very mole 

Less blind than thou ! Baradas loves thy wife ; — 
Had hoped her hand — aspired to be that cloak 
To the King's will, which to thy bluntness seems 
The Centaur's poisonous robe — hopes even now 
To make thy corpse his footstool to thy bed ! 
Where was thy wit, man ? — Ho ! these schemes are 

glass ! 
The very sun shines through them. 

De Mau. O, my Lord, 

Can you forgive me ? 



54? RICHELIEU ; IJI. 

Rich. Ay, and save you ! 

De Mau. Save ! — 

Terrible word ! — 0, save thyself: — these halls 
Swarm with thy foes : already for thy blood 
Pants thirsty Murder ! [Draws his sword. 

Julie. Murder ! 

Rich. Hush ! put by 

The woman. Hush ! a shriek — a cry — a breath 
Too loud, would startle from its horrent pause 
The swooping Death ! Go to the door, and listen ! 
Now for escape ! 

[Crosses to e. Julie kneels at the door listening. 

Be Mau. None — none ! Their blades shall pass 

This heart to thine. 

Rich, {drily). An honourable outwork, 

But much too near the citadel. I think 
That I can trust you now (slowly, and gazing on him) ; 

yes ; I can trust you. 
How many of my troop league with you ? 

Be Mau. All!— 

"We are your troop! 

Rich. And Huguet ? 

De Mau. Is our captain, 

[Watches the door and stands prepared for defence. 

Rich, A retributive Power ! — This comes of spies ! 
All ? then the lion's skin's too short to-night, — 
Now for the fox's ! [Murmurs without. 

Julie. A hoarse, gathering murmur ! — 

Hurrying and heavy footsteps! 

Rich. Ha! — the posterns ? 

De Mau. No egress where no sentry ! 

Rich. Pollow me — 



SCENE I.] OR, THE CONSPIRACY. 55 

I have it ! — to my chamber — quick ! Come, Julie ! 
Hush ! Mauprat, come ! 

[Exeunt Julie, Mau t pkat, and Eichelietj, c. d. 

{Murmurs at a distance) — Death to the Cardinal ! 
"Rich. Bloodhounds, I laugh at ye ! — ha ! ha ! — we 

will 
Baffle them yet. — Ha ! — ha ! 

Huguet (without) . This way — this way ! 

Enter Huguet and the Conspirators, l. tj. e. 

Huguet. De Mauprat 's hand is never slow in battle ; — 
Strange, if it falter now ! Ha ! gone ! 

First Con. Perchance 

The fox had crept to rest ; and to his lair 
Death, the dark hunter, tracks him. 

[Enter Mauprat, throwing open the doors of the 
recess, c, in which there is a bed, whereon Eiciie- 
lieu lies extended. 

De Man. Live the King ; 

Eiebelieu is dead ! 

Huguet Tou have been long. 

De Mau. I watch' d him till he slept. 

Heed me. — No trace of blood reveals the deed ; — 
Strangled in sleep. His health hath long been broken — 
Found breathless in his bed. So runs our tale, 
Bemember ! Back to Paris — Orleans gives 
Ten thousand crowns, and Baradas a lordship, 
To him w 7 ho first gluts veugeance with the news 
That Eichelieu is in heaven ! Quick, that all France 
May share your joy ! 

Huguet. And you ? 



53 RICHELIEU; [ACT III. 

De Ifau. Will stay, to crush 

Eager suspicion — to forbid sharp eyes 
To dwell too closely on the clay ; prepare 
The rites, and place him on his bier — this rny task. 
I leave to you, sirs, the more grateful lot 
Of wealth and honours. Hence ! 

Huyuet. I shall be noble ! 

De llau. Away ! 

First Con. Five thousand crowns ! 

Omnes. To horse ! — to horse ! 

[Exeunt Conspirators, l. s. e. 
Mattpeat stands on guard. 



SCENE II. 

Still night. — A room in the house of Cottnt de Baeadas. 
Oeleass and De Beeisghex, e. 

De Ber. I understand. Mauprat kept guard with- 
out : 
Knows nought of the despatch — but heads the troop 
Whom the poor Cardinal fancies his protectors. 
Save us from such protection ! 

Enter Bab ad as, e. 

Bar. Julie is fled: — the King, whom now I left 
To a most thorny pillow, vows revenge 
On her — on Mauprat — and on Eichelieu ! Well; 
We loyal men anticipate his wish 
Upon the last — and as for Mauprat, — {showing a writ) 

DeBer. Hum! 



SCENE II.] OK, THE CONSPIRACY. 57 

They say the devil invented printing ! Faith ! 

He has some hand in writing parchment — eh, Count ? 

What mischief now ? 

Bar. The King, at Julie's flight 

Enraged, will brook no rival in a subject — 
So on this old offence — the affair of Eaviaux — 
Ere Mauprat can tell tales of us, we build 
His bridge between the dungeon and the grave. 
Oh ! by the way — I had forgot your highness, 
Eriend Huguet whispered me, " Beware of Marion : 
I've seen her lurking near the Cardinal's palace." 
Upon that hint, I've found her lodgings elsewhere. 

Orleans. You wrong her, Count. Poor Marion ! — 
she adores me. 

Bar. (apologetically). Eorgive me, but 

Enter Page, e. 

Page. My Lord, a rude, strange soldier, 

Breathless with haste, demands an audience. 

Bar. So !— 

The archers ? 

Bage. In the ante-room, my Lord, 

As you desired. 

Bar. 'Tis well — admit the soldier. [Exit Page, e. 
Huguet ! — I bade him seek me here. 

Enter Huguet, e. 

Huguet. My Lords, 

The deed is done. Now, Count, fulfil your word, 
And make me noble ! 

Ear. Eichelieu dead ? — art sure ? 

How died he ? 

Huguet. Strangled in his sleep : — no blood, 
No tell-tale violence. 



58 kichelieu ; [act III. 

Bar. Strangled ? — monstrous villain ! 

Reward for murder ! Ho, there ! [Stamping. 

Enter Captain with Jive Archers, e. 

Huguet. No, thou durst not ! 

Bar. Seize on the ruffian — bind him — gag him ! {they 
seize him.) Off 
To the Bastile ! 

Huguet. Tour word — jour plighted faith ! 

Bar. Insolent liar ! — ho, away ! 

Huguet. Nay, Count ; 

I have that about me, which 

Bar. Away with him ! 

[Exeunt Huguet and Archers, b. 

Now, then, all's safe ; Huguet must die in prison, 
So Mauprat : — coax or force the meaner crew 
To fly the country. Ha, ha ! thus, your highness 
Great men make use of little men. 

Be Ber. My Lords, 

Since our suspense is ended — you'll excuse me ; 
Tis late — and, entre nous, I have not supp'd yet ! 
I'm one of the new Council now, remember ; 
I feel the public stirring here already ; 
A very craving monster. Au revoir ! 

[Exit De Beeinghen, e. 

Orleans. No fear, now Eichelieu's dead. 

Bar. And could he come 

To life again, he could not keep life's life — 
His power, — nor save De Mauprat from the scaffold, — 
Nor Julie from these arms — nor Paris from 
The Spaniard — nor your highness from the throne ! 
All ours ! all ours ! in spite of my Lord Cardinal ! 



SCENE II.] OR, THE CONSPIRACY. 59 

Enter Page, e. 

Page. A gentleman, my Lord, of better mien 
Than he who last 

Bar. Well, lie may enter. [Exit Page, R. 

Orleans. Who 

Can this be ? 

Bar. One of the conspirators : 

Mauprat himself, perhaps. 

Enter Francois, e. 

Fran. My Lord 

Bar. Ha, traitor ; 

In Paris still ? 

Fran. The packet — the despatch — 

Some knave play'd spy without and reft it from me, 
Ere I could draw my sword. 

Bar. Played spy without! 

Did he wear armour ? 

Fran. Ay, from head to heel. 

Orleans. One of our band. Oh, heavens ! 

Bar. Could it be Mauprat ? 

Kept guard at the door — knew nought of the despatch — 
How He ? — and yet, who other? 

Fran. Ha, De Mauprat ! 

The night was dark — his vizor closed. 

Bar. 'Twas he ! 

How could he guess ? — 'sdeath ! if he should betray us a 
His hate to Richelieu dies with Bichelieu — and 
He was not great enough for treason. — Hence ! 
Find Mauprat — beg, steal, filch, or force it back, 
Or, as I live, the halter 

Fran. By the morrow 

I will regain it (aside), and redeem my honour ! 

[Exit Francois, b. 



60 HICHELIEU; [ACT III. 

Orleans. Oh, we are lost 

Bar. Not so ! But cause on cause 

For Mauprat's seizure — silence — death ! Take courage. 

Orleans. Should it once reach the King, the Cardinal's 
arm 
Could smite us from the grave. 

Bar. Sir, think it not ! 

I hold De Mauprat in my grasp. To-morrow, 
And France is ours ! 

\Exeunt t l. 



END Or ACT III. 



SCENE I.] OR, THE CONSPIRACY, 61 



ACT IV, 

THIED DAT. 

SCENE I. 

The Gardens of the Louvre. — Orleans, Baradas, De 
Beringhen, Courtiers, <fyc, r. s. e. 

Orleans (l. c). How does my brother bear the Car- 
dinal's death ? 
Bar. (r. a). With grief, when thinking of the toils of 
State ; 
With joy, when thinking on the eyes of Julie : — 
At times, he sighs, " Who now shall govern France ? " 
Anon exclaims — " Who shall baffle Louis ? " 

Enter Louis and other Courtiers, r. s. e. (They un- 
cover.') 

Orleans. Now, my liege, now, I can embrace a brother. 

Louis. Dear Gaston, yes. — I do believe you love me ; — 
Eichelieu denied it — sever' d us too long, 
A great man, Gaston ! Who shall govern Erance ? 

[Crosses l. and back to c. 

Bar. Yourself, my liege. That swart and potent star 
Eclipsed your royal orb. He served the country, 
But did he serve, or seek to sway the King ? 



62 RICHELIEU ; [ACT IV. 

Louis. You're right — he was an able politician — 
Dear Count, this silliest Julie, 
I know not why, she takes my fancy. Many 
As fair, and certainly more kind ; but yet 
It is so. 

Bar. Eichelieu was most disloyal in that marriage. 

Louis {querulously). He knew that Julie pleased 
me : — a clear proof 
He never loved me ! 

Bar. Ob, most clear ! — But now 

]STo bar between your lady and your will ! 
This writ makes all secure : a week or two 
In the Bastile will sober Mauprat's love, 
And leave him eager to dissolve a hymen 
That brings him such a home. 

Louis. See to it, Count. 

{Exit Baeadas, e. 

Ill summon Julie back. A word with you. 

\Takes aside First Courtier and De Beeinghek", 
and exeunt l. s. e. 

Enter Feancois, e. u. e. 
Fran. All search, as yet, in vain for Mauprat ! — Not 
At home since yesternoon — a soldier told me 
He saw him pass this way with hasty strides ; 
Should he meet Baradas — they'd rend it from him — 
And then — Oh sweet Fortune, smile upon me — 
I am thy son ! — if thou desert'st me now, 
Come, Death, and snatch me from disgrace. {Exit, l. 

Enter Maupeat, e. u. e. 

De Mau. Oh, let me— 

Let me but meet him foot to foot — I'll dig 



SCENE I.] OR, THE CONSPIRACY. 63 

The Judas from his heart ; — albeit the King 
Should o'er him cast the purple ! 

Re-enter Eeancois, l. tt. e. 

'Fran. Mauprat ! hold : — 

Where is the 

Be Mau. Well ! What would'st thou ? 

Fran. The despatch ! 

The packet. — Look on me — I serve the Cardinal — 
You know me. — Did you not keep guard last night 
By Marion's house ? 

De Mau. I did ; — no matter now ! — 

They told me, he was here ! — 

[Crosses to l. and up the stage. 

Fran. O joy ! quick — aoiick— 

The packet thou didst wrest from me ? 

De Mau. The packet ?— 

What, art thou he I deemed the Cardinal's spy 
(Dupe that I was) — and overhearing Marion— 

Fran. The same — restore it ! — haste ! 

De Mau. I have it not :— 

Methought it but reveal' d our scheme to Richelieu, 
And, as we mounted, gave it to 

Fnter Babadas, b. 

Stand back ! 
Now, villain ! now — I have thee ! 

{To Fbancois.)— Hence, Sir ! — Draw ! 
Fran. Art mad ? — the King's at hand ! leave him to 
Richelieu ! 

Speak — the despatch — to whom 

De Mau. (dashing him aside, and rushing to Bab ADAS,) 
Thou triple slanderer ! 



64 RICHELIEU; [act IV. 

I'll set my heel upon thy crest ! 

[A few passes. 
Fran. Ply— flv ! 

The Kisg !— 

Enter, l. s. e., Louis, Orleans, De Bee highest, Cour- 
tiers, Sfc. ; Captain and Guards hastily, l. u. e. 
The Captain and Guards range r., Courtiers L. ? 
King l. c, Baradas l. c, Mauprat r. 

Louis. Swords drawn — before our very palace ! — 
Have oar laws died with Richelieu ? 

Bar. (r. of the King). Pardon, Sire, — 

My crime but self-defence. {Aside to King). It is 
De Mauprat ! 

Louis. Dare he thus brave us ? 

[Baradas goes to the Captain, and gives the ivrit. 

L)e Man. Sire, in the Cardinal's name — 

Bar. Seize him — disarm — to the Bastile ! 

[De Mauprat resigns his sword. Enter Richelieu 
and J oseph, followed by Arquebusiers, l. u. e. 

Bar. (a). The Dead 

Returned to life ! 

Louis (l. a). What a mock death ! this tops 
The Infinite of Insult. 

Be Mau. (r.)» Priest and Hero ! — 

For you are both — protect the truth ! — 

Rich, {taking the writ from the Captain). — What's 
this? 

Be Ber. (lit). Pact in Philosophy. Poxes have got 
Nine lives, as well as cats ! 

Bar. Be, firm my liege. 



SCENE I.] OR, THE CONSPIRACY. 65 

Louis. I have assumed the sceptre — I will wield it ! 
Joseph (down r.). The tide runs counter — there'll be 
shipwreck somewhere. 

[Baradas and Orleans keep close to the King, 
whispering and prompting him when Bichelietj 
speaks. 

Rich. High treason — Faviaux! still that stale pre- 
tence ! 
My liege, bad men (ay, Count, most knavish men !) 
Abuse your royal goodness. — For this soldier, 
France hath none braver — and his youth's folly, 
Misled (To Orleans) — (by whom your Highness may 

conjecture !) — 
Is long since cancell'd by a loyal manhood. — 
I, Sire, have pardon' d him. 

Louis. And we do give 

Tour pardon to the winds. — Sir, do your duty ! 

Rich. What, Sire ? — you do not know — Oh, pardon 
me — 
You know not yet, that this brave, honest heart 
Stood between mine and murder ! — Sire ! for my sake— 
[For your old servant's sake — undo this wrong. 
See, let me rend the sentence. 

Louis (taking the paper from him). At your peril ! 
This is too much : — Again, Sir, do your duty ! 

[Matjprat is about to expostulate. 

Rich. Speak not, but go: — I would not see young 
Valour 
So humbled as grey Service. 
Be Mau. Pare you well ! 

[Kisses Eichelieu's hand. 
Save Julie, and console her. 

r 



66 PJCHELIEU; [act IV. 

Fran, (aside to Mattpeat, as he is being led off) — 

The despatch ! 
Tour fate, foes, life, hang upon a word !— to whom ? 
De Man. To Huguet 

\~Exeunt Maupeat and Guard, l. tj. e. 
Mar. {aside to Feaistcois). Has he the packet ? 
Fran. He will not reveal — 

* Aside?) "Work, brain! — beat, heart! — "There's no sucli 
word as fail! " 

[Mvit Fbaxcois, e. tr. e. 

All the Courtiers have closed round the King, shutting 
Eichelieu out. 

'Rich, {fiercely). Booin, my Lords, room ! — the Minister 
of France 
Can need no intercession with the King. 

[TJiey fall bach. 
Louis. "What means this false report of death, Lord 

Cardinal ? 
Mich. Are you then anger'd, Sire, that I live still ? 

Louis. jSTo ; but such artifice 

Mich. JSTot mine : — look 

elsewhere ! 
Louis — my castle swarm' d with the assassins. 

Mar. (advancing, e.). We have punished them already. 
Huguet now 
In the Bastile. — Oh ! my Lord, we were prompt 

To avenge you — we were 

Mich. "We ? — Ha ! ha ! you hear, 

My liege ! What page, man, in the last Court grammar 
Made you a plural ? Count, you have seized the hire- 

ling : — 
Sire, shall I name the master ? 

Louis. Tush ! my Lord, 



SCENE I.] OR, THE CONSPIRACY. 67 

The old contrivance : — ever does your wib 
Invent assassins, — that ambition may 
" Slay rivals [Bar ad as crosses behind to the King. 

Mich. Bivals, Sire, in what ? 

Service to France ? I have none ! Lives the man 
Whom Europe, paled before your glory, deems 
Rival to Armand Eichelieu ? 

Louis. What, so haughty ! 

Bemember he who made can unmake. 

Rich. Never ! 

Never ! Your anger can recall your trust, 
Annul my office, spoil me of my lands, 
Rifle my coffers, — but my name — my deeds, 
Are royal in a land beyond your sceptre ! 
Pass sentence on me, if you will ; from Kings, 
Lo ! I appeal to Time ! 

Louis (turns haughtily to the Cardinal.) Enough ! 
Tour Eminence must excuse a longer audience. 
To your own palace : — Eor our conference, this 
JN"or place — nor season. 

Rich. Good, my liege, for Justice 

All place a temple, and all season, summer ! — 
Do you deny me justice ? — Saints of Heaven ! 
He turns from me ! — JDo you deny me justice ? 
Eor fifteen years, while in these hands dwelt Empire, 
The humblest craftsman — the obscurest vassal — 
The very leper shrinking from the sun, 
Tho' loathed by Charity, might ask for justice ! — 
Not with the fawning tone and crawling mien 
Of some I see around you — Counts and Princes — 
Kneeling for favours; — but, erect and loud, 
As men who ask man's rights ! — my liege, my Louis, 
Do you refuse me justice — audience even — 
In the pale presence of the baffled Murther ? 

f 2 



68 eichelieu; L ACT IV « 

Louis, Lord Cardinal — one by one you have sever M 
from me 
The bonds of human love. All near and dear 
Mark'd out for vengeance — exile or the scaffold. 
You find me now amidst my trustiest friends, 
My closest kindred : — you would tear them from me ; 
They murder you, forsooth, since me they love! 
Eno' of plots and treasons for one reign ! 
Home ! — Home ! and sleep away these phantoms ! 

[The King and all the Court cross to E. 

Rich. Sire ! 

I patience, Heaven ! — sweet Heaven ! — from the 

foot 
Of that Great Throne, these hands have raised aloft 
On an Olympus, looking down on mortals 
And worsbipp'd by their awe — before the foot 
Of that high throne, — spurn you the grey-hair'd man, 
Who gave you empire — and now sues for safety ? 

Louis. ]STo ; — when we see your Eminence in truth 
At the foot of the throne — we'll listen to you. 

[Exit Louis, e., followed hy Courtiers. 

Orleans. Saved ! 

Bar. Eor this, deep thanks to Julie and to Mauprat ! 

[Exeunt Baeadas and Oeleans, e. 

Rich. Joseph — Did you hear the King ? 

Joseph (down l.). I did — there's danger ! Had you 

been less haughty 

Rich. And suffered slaves to chuckle — " See the 

Cardinal — 
How meek his Eminence is to-day " — I tell thee 



SCENE I.J OR, THE CONSPIRACY. 69 

This is a strife in which the loftiest look 
Is the most subtle armour 

Joseph. But— 

Bich. No time 

For ifs and buts. I will accuse these traitors ! 
Francois shall witness that De Baradas 
Gave him the secret missive for De Bouillon, 
And told hi in life and death were in the scroll. 
I will — I will — [ Crosses, E, 

Joseph. Tush ! Francois is your creature ; 

So they will say, and laugh at you ! — your witness 
Must he that same Despatch. 

Mich. Away to Marion ! 

Joseph. I have been there — she is seized — removed**- 
imprison'd — 
By the Count's orders. 

Bich. Groddess of bright dreams, 

My country — shalt thou lose me now, when most 
Thou need'st thy worshipper ? My native land ! 
Let me but ward this dagger from thy heart, 
And die — but on thy bosom ! 

[Enter Julie, l. s. e. 

Julie. Heaven ! I thank thee ! 

It cannot be, or this all-powerful man 
Would not stand idly thus. 

Rich. "What dost thou here ? 

Home! 

Julie. Home! — is Adrien there? — you're dumb — yet 
strive 
For words ; I see them trembling on your lip, 
But choked by pity. It was truth — all truth ! 
Seized — the Bastile — and in your presence, too ! 
Cardinal, where is Adrien ? — Think — he saved 



70 RICHELIEU ; [ACT IV. 

Your life : — your name is infamy, if wrong 
Should come to his ! 

Rich. Ee sooth'd, child. 

Julie. Child no more 

I love, and I am woman ! 
"Where is Adrien ? 
Let thine eyes meet mine ; 
Answer me but one word — I am a wife — 
I ask thee for my home— my pate — my all ! 
"Where is my husband ? 

Rich. You are Richelieu's ward, 

A soldier's bride : they who insist on truth 
Must out-face fear ; — you ask me for your husband ? 
There — where the clouds of heaven look darkest, o'er 
The domes of the Bastile ! 

Julie. O, mercy ! mercy ! 

Save him, restore him, father ! Art thou not 
The Cardinal-King ? — the Lord of life and death — 
Art thou not Eichelieu ? 

Rich. Yesterday I was! — 

To-day, a very weak old man ! — To-morrow, 
I know not what ! [Crosses, l. 

Julie. Do you conceive his meaning Y 

Alas ! I cannot. 

Joseph (r.). The King is chafed 
Against his servant. Lady, while we speak, 
The lackey of the ante-room is not 
More powerless than the Minister of France. 

Enter Clermont, r. 

Cler. Madame de Mauprat ! 

Pardon, your Eminence — even now I seek 
This lady's home — commanded by the King 
To pray her presence. 



SCENE I.] OR, THE CONSPIRACY. 71 

Julie (clinging to Kichelieu). Think of my dead 
father ! — 
And take me to your breast. 

Rick. To those who sent you ! — 

And say you found the virtue they would slay 
Here — couch'd upon this heart, as at an altar, 
And shelter'd by the wings of sacred Rome ! 
Begone ! 

Cler. My Lord, I am your friend and servant — 
Misjudge me not ; but never yet was Louis 
So roused against you : — shall I take this answer ? — 
It were to be your foe. 

Rick. All time my foe, 

If I, a Priest, could cast this holy Sorrow 
Forth from her last asylum ! 

Cler. He is lost ! 

[Exit Clekmont, s. 

Ricli. God help thee, child ! — she hears not ! Look 
upon her ! 
The storm, that rends the oak, uproots the flower. 
Her father loved me so ! and in that age 
"When friends are brothers ! She has been to me 
Soother, nurse, plaything, daughter. Are these tears ? 
Oh ! shame, shame ! — dotage ! 

\_Places her in the arms of Joseph. 

Joseph. Tears are not for eyes 

That rather need the lightning ! which can pierce 
Through barred gates and triple walls, to smite 
Crime, where it cowers in secret ! — The Despatch ! 
Set every spy to work ; — the morrow's sun 
Must see that written treason in your hands, 
Or rise upon your ruin. 



72 RICHELIEU; [ACT IY. 

Rich. Ay — and close 

Upon my corpse ! — I am not made to live — 
Friends, glory, France, all reft from me ; — my star 
Like some vain holiday mimicry of fire, 
Piercing imperial heaven, and falling down 
Bayless and blacken'd, to the dust — a thing 
For all men's feet to trample ! Tea ! — to-morrow 
Triumph or death ! Look up, child ! — Lead us, Joseph. 

[As they are going up a, enter Baradas and De 
Bertnghen, r. 

Bar. (r. a). My Lord, the King cannot believe your 
Eminence 
So far forgets your duty, and his greatness, 
As to resist his mandate ! Pray you, Madam, 
Obey the King ! — no cause for fear ! 

Julie (l.). My father! 

'Rich. (a). She shall not stir ! 

Bar. Tou are not of her kindred — 

An orphan 

Rich. And her country is her mother ! 

Bar. The country is the King. 

Rich. Ay, it is so ? — 

Then wakes the power which in the age of iron 
Burst forth to curb the great, and raise the low. 
Mark, where she stands ! — around her form I draw 
The awful circle of our solemn church ! 
Set but a foot within that holy ground, 
And on thy head — yea, though it wore a crown — 
I launch the curse of Borne ! 

Bar. I dare not brave you ! 

I do but speak the orders of my King, 
The church, your rank, power, very word, my Lord, 



SCENE II.] OK, THE CONSPIRACY. 73 

Suffice you for resistance : — blame yourself, 
If it should cost you power ! 

Rich. That my stake. — Ah ! 
Dark gamester ! what is thine ? Look to it well !— 
Lose not a trick. — By this same hour to-morrow 
Thou shalt have France, or I thy head ! 

Bar. {aside to De Beringhen). He cannot 
Have the Despatch ? 

Joseph {aside on Eichelietj's b.). Patience is your 
game: 
Eenect, Tou have not the Despatch ! 

Bich. O! monk! 

Leave patience to the saints — for I am human ! 
Did not thy father die for France, poor orphan ? 
And now they say thou hast no father ! — Fie ! 
Art thou not pure and good ? — if so, thou art 
A part of that — the Beautiful, the Sacred — 
Which, in all climes, men that have hearts adore, 
By the great title of their mother country ! 

Bar. {aside). He wanders ! 

Bich. So cling close unto my breast, 

Here where thou droop 'st lies France ! I am very 

feeble — 
Of little use it seems to either now. 
Weil, well — we will go home. {They go up the stage.) 

Bar. In sooth, my Lord, 

You do need rest — the burthens of the State 
O'ertask your health ! 

Bich. {to Joseph, pauses), I'm patient, see! 

Bar. {aside). His mind 

And life are breaking fast ! 

Rich, {overhearing him). Irreverent ribald ! 
If so, beware the falling ruins ! Hark ! 
I tell thee, scorner of these whitening hairs, 



74 BICHELIEU; [ACT IV. 

"When this snow melteth there shall come a flood ! 
Avaunt ! my name is Eichelieu — I defy thee ! 
"Walk blindfold on ; behind thee stalks the headsman. 
Ha ! ha ! — how pale he is ! Heaven save m y country ! 

[Falls lack in Joseph's arms. 

[Julie kneels hy Ms side, Baeadas and Beringhek - 
stand r. 



END OF ACT ITo 



SCENE I.] OB, THE CONSPIRACY. 75 



ACT V. 



FOUBTH DAT* 



SCENE I. 

The Eastile — a Corridor ; in the background the door of 
one of tlie condemned cells. 

Enter Joseph, and Gaoler with a lamp, e. d. p. 

Gaoler. Stay, father, I will call the governor. 

[Exit Gaoler, l. 

Joseph. He has it then — this Huguet ; — so we learn 
Erom Erancois ; — Humph ! Now if I can but gain 
One moment's access, all is ours ! The Cardinal 
Trembles 'tween life and death. His life is power ; 
Smite one — slay both ! No iEsculapian drugs, 
By learned quacks baptized with Latin jargon, 
E'er bore the healing which that scrap of parchment 
"Will medicine to Ambition's flagging heart. 
Erance shall be saved — and Joseph be a bishop. 

Enter Governor and Gaoler, l. 
Gov. Eather, you wish to see the prisoners Huguet 
And the young knight De Mauprat ? 



76 eichelieu; [act y. 

Joseph. So my office, 

And the Lord Cardinal's order, warrant, son ! 

Gov. Father, it cannot be: Connt Baradas 
Has summon'd to the Louvre Sieur de Mauprat. 

Joseph. Well, well! But Huguet 

Gov. Dies at noon. 

Joseph. At noon ! 

]S"o moment to delay the pious rites 
"Which fit the soul for death. Quick — quick — admit 
me ! 

Gov. You cannot enter, monk ! Such are my orders ! 

Joseph. Orders, vain man! — the Cardinal still is 
minister. 
His orders crush all others ! 

Gov. (lifting Ids fiat). Save his King's ! 

See, monk, the royal sign and seal affix'd 
To the Count's mandate. jS"one may have access 
To either prisoner, Huguet or De Mauprat, 
Xot even a priest, without the special passport 
Of Count de Baradas. I'll hear no more ! 

Joseph. Just Heaven ! and are we baffled thus ? 
Despair ! ! 
Think on the Cardinal's power — beware his anger. 

Gov. I'll not be menaced, Priest ! Besides, the 
Cardinal 
Is dying and disgraced — all Paris knows it. 
You hear the prisoner's knell ! [Bell tolls, i* 

Joseph. I do beseech you — 

The Cardinal is not dying. But one moment, 
And — hist! — five thousand pistoles! — 

Gov. How ! a bribe — 

And to a soldier, grey with years of honour ! 
Begone ! — 

Joseph Ten thousand — twenty! — 



SCENE I.] OB, THE CONSPIRACY. 77 

Gov. Gaoler — put 

This monk without our walls. 

Joseph. By those grey hairs — 

Tea, by this badge (touching the cross of St. Louis worn 
by the Governor) — 

The guerdon of your valour— 
By all your toils — hard days and sleepless nights- 
Borne in your country's service, noble son — 
Let me but see the prisoner ! — 

Gov. No ! 

Joseph. He hath 

Secrets of state — papers in which 

Gov. (interrupting) . I know- 

Such was his message to Count Baradas : 
Doubtless the Count will see to it ! 

Joseph (aside). The Count ! 

Then not a hope ! — You shall 

Gov. Betray my trust ! 

Never — not one word more. — You heard me, gaoler ! 

Joseph. "What can be done ? — Distraction ! 
Dare you refuse the Church her holiest rights ? 

Gov. I refuse nothing — I obey my orders. 

Joseph. And sell your country to her parricides ! 
Oh, tremble yet ! — Eichelieu 

Gov. Begone ! 

Joseph. Undone ! 

[Exit Joseph, e. d. f. 

Gov. A most audacious shaveling — interdicted 
Above all others by the Count. 

Gaoler. Oh, by the way, that troublesome young 
fellow, 
"Who calls himself the prisoner Huguet's son, 
Is here again — implores, weeps, raves to see him. 



78 EICHELIEU; [ACT Y. 

Gov. Poor youth, I pity him ! 

Enter De Beei^ghek, followed hy Francois, e. d. f. 

Be Ber. (to Fran.). Now, prithee, friend, 

Let go my cloak ; you really discompose me. 

Fran, (e.). -^°> they w ^ drive me hence : my father! 
Oh! 
Let me but see him once — but once — one moment ! 

De Ber. (to Gov.). Your servant, Messire; this poor 
rascal, Huguet, 
Has sent to see the Count de Baradas 
Upon state secrets, that afflict his conscience. 
The Count can't leave his Majesty an instant : 
I am his proxy. 

Gov. (l. a). The Count's word is law ! 

'[Beckons Gaoler to unlock l. d. f. 

Again, young scapegrace ! How com'st thou admitted ? 

Be Ber. (e. a). Oh! a most filial fellow: Huguet's 
son ! 
I found him whimpering in the court below. 
I pray his leave to say good-bye to father, 
Before that very long, unpleasant journey, \ 
Father's about to take. 

Gov. The Count's 

Commands are strict. No one must visit Huguet 
Without his passport. 

Be Ber. Here it is ! — (shows a paper) — 

Pshaw ! nonsense ! 
Ill be your surety. See, my Cerberus, 
He is no Hercules ! 

Gov. Well, you're responsible. 

Stand there, Mend. If, when you come out, my Lord, 






SCENE I.] OR, THE CONSPIRACY. 79 

The youth slip in, 'tis your fault. 

De JBer. So it is ! 

[Exit l. d. T?., followed by the Gaoler. 

Gov. Be calm, my lad. Don't fret so. I had once 
A father, too ! I'll not be hard upon you, 
And so stand close. I must not see you enter. 
Tou understand ! 

Be -enter Gaoler, l. d. f. 

Come, we'll go our rounds ; 
I'll give you just one quarter of an hour ; 
And if my lord leave first, make my excuse. 
Tet stay, the gallery's long and dark : no sentry 
Until he reach the grate below. He'd best 
Wait till I come. If he should lose the way, 
We may not be in call. 

Fran. I'll tell him, Sir. 

[Exeunt Governor and Gaoler, e. 

He's a wise son that knoweth his own father. 
I've forged a precious one ! So far, so well ! 
Alas ! what then ? this wretch hath sent to Baradas — 
Will sell the scroll to ransom life. Oh, Heaven ! 
On what a thread hangs hope ! [Listens at the door. l. 

Loud words — a cry ! 

[Looks through the key-hole. 

They struggle ! Ho ! — the packet ! ! ! 

[Tries to open the door<, 

Lost ! He has it — 
The courtier has it — Huguet, spite his chains, 
Grapples! — well done! Now — now! [Draws lack. 



80 RICHELIEU ; [ACT V- 

The gallery's long — 
And this is left us ! 

[Drawing his dagger, and standing behind e. door. 

Re-enter De Beeinghen, with the packet. 

Victory ! [Passes off at E. d. f. 

Yield it, robber — 

[Following him. 
Yield it — or die — [A short struggle, without. 

DeBer. Off! ho!— there!— {without). 



SCENE II. 

The King's closet at the Louvre. A suite of rooms in 
perspective at one side. 

Enter Baradas and Orleans, r. c. 

Bar. (e.). All smiles ! the Cardinal's swoon of yes- 
terday 
Heralds his death to-day. 
And yet, should this accurs'd De Mauprat 
Have given our packet to another — 'S death ! 
I dare not think of it ! 

Orleans (l.). You've sent to search him ? 

Bar. Sent, Sir, to search ? — that hireling hands may 
find 
Upon him, naked, with its broken seal, 



SCENE II.] OR, THE CONSPIRACY. 81 

That scroll, whose every word is death ! No — No — 

These hands alone must clutch that awful secret. 

I dare not leave the palace, night or day, 

While KicheKeu lives — his minions — creatures — spies — 

Not one must reach the King! 

Orleans. "What hast thou done ? 

Bar. Summon'd De Mauprat hither. 

Orleans. Could this Huguet, 

"Who pray'd thy presence with so fierce a fervour, 
Have thieved the scroll ? 

Bar. Huguet was housed with us, 

The very moment we dismiss'd the courier. 
It cannot be ! a stale trick for reprieve. 
But, to make sure, I've sent our trustiest friend 
To see and sift him. — Hist ! — here comes the King — 
How fare you, Sire ? 

Enter Louis, followed ly Pages, and Court, l. c. 

Louis. In the same mind. I have 

Decided ! — "Yes, he would forbid your presence, 
My brother — yours, my friend, — then Julie, too ! 
Thwarts — braves — defies — (suddenly turning to Bakadas) 

We make you minister. 
Gaston, for you — the baton of our armies. 
You love me, do you not ? 

Orleans. Oh, love you, Sire ? 

{Aside.) Never so much as now. 

[Retires l. u. e., Courtiers surround him. 

Bar. May I deserve 

Your trust (aside) until you sign your abdication 
My liege, but one way left to daunt de Mauprat, 
And Julie to divorce. We must prepare 



82 RICHELIEU ; [ACT V. 

The death-writ ; what, tho' sign'd and seal'd ? we can 
Withhold the enforcement. 

Louis. Ah, you may prepare it ; 

We need not urge it to effect. 

Bar. Exactly ! 

No haste, my liege. (Looking at his watch, and aside). 
He may live one hour longer. 

Enter Page, L. tr. e. 

JPage. The Lady Julie, Sire, implores an audience. 

Louis. Aha ! repentant of her folly ! — Well, 
Admit her. [Exit Page, l. it. e. 

Bar. Sire, she comes for Mauprat's pardon, 
And the conditions 

Louis. You are minister — 

We leave to you our answer. 

[As Jtlie enters l. tj. e. the Captain of the Archers 
enters e. door, and whispers Babadas. 

Cap. The Chevalier 

De Mauprat waits below. 

Bar. (aside). Now the Despatch; 

[Exit with Officer, e. 

Julie (l. c). My liege, you sent for me. I come 
where Grief 
Should come when guiltless, while the name of King 
Is holy on the earth ! Here, at the feet 
Of Power, I kneel for mercy. 

Louis (e. c). Mercy, Julie, 

Is an affair of state. The Cardinal should 
In this be your interpreter. 

Julie. Alas ! 

I know not if that mighty spirit now 



SCENE II.] OR, THE CONSPIRACY. 83 

Stoop to the things of earth. Nay, while I speak, 
Perchance he hears the orphan by the throne 
Where Kings themselves need pardon ; my liege, 
Be father to the fatherless ; in you 
Dwells my last hope ! 



Enter Baradas, e. 

Bar. {aside). He has not the Despatch ; 

Smiled, while we search'd, and braves me. — Oh ! 

Louis {gently). "What would'st thou ? 

Julie. A single life. — You reign o'er millions. — What 
Is one man's life to you? — and yet to me 
'Tis Prance — 'tis earth — 'tis everything ! — a life — 
A human life — my husband's ! 

Louis (aside). Speak to her, 
I am not marble, — Give her hope — or 

[Retires; speaks to Orleans and Courtiers. 

Bar. Madam, 

Vex not your King, whose heart, too soft for justice, 
Leaves to his ministers that solemn charge. 

Julie. You were his friend. 

Bar. I was before I loved thee. 

Julie. Loved me ! 

Bar. Hush, Julie: could'st thou mis- 

interpret 
My acts, thoughts, motives, nay, my very words, 
Here — in this palace ? 

Julie. Now I know I'm mad ; 

Even that memory fail'd me. 

Bar. I am young, 

Well-born and brave as Mauprat : — for thy sake 

a 2 



84 EICHELIETJ; [ACT V, 

I peril what lie has not — fortune — power ; 
All to great souls most dazzling. I alone 
Can save thee from yon tyrant, now my puppet ! 
Be mine ; annul the mockery of this marriage, 
And on the day I clasp thee to my breast 
De Mauprat shall be free. 

Julie. Thou durst not speak 

Thus in his ear (pointing to Louis). Thou double traitor! 

— tremble ! 
I will unmask thee. 

Bar. I will say thou ravest. 

And see this scroll! its letters shall be blood! 
Go to the King, count with me word for word ; 
And while you pray the life — I write the sentence ! 

Julie. Stay, stay (rushing to the King). You have a 
kind and princely heart, 
Tho' sometimes it is silent : you were born 
To power — it has not flush'd you into madness, 
As it doth meaner men. Banish my husband — 
Dissolve our marriage — cast me to that grave 
Of human ties, where hearts congeal to ice, 
In the dark convent's everlasting winter — 
(Surely eno' for justice — hate — revenge) — 
But spare this life, thus lonely, scathed, and bloomless; 
And when thou stand'st for judgment on thine own, 
The deed shall shine beside thee as an angel. 

Louis (much affected). Go, go, to Baradas: annul thy 
marriage, 
And 

Julie (anxiously \ and watching his countenance). 
Be his bride ! 

Louis. Tes ! 

Julie. O thou sea of shame, 
And not one star ! 



SCENE II.] OK, THE CONSPIRACY. 85 

[The King goes up the stage, and passes through the suite 
of rooms at the side, in evident emotion. Exeunt 
King and Court, e. ij. e. 

Bar. "Well, thy election, Julie ; 

This hand — his grave ! 

Julie. His grave ! and I — 

Bar. Can save him. — 

Swear to be mine. 

Julie. That were a bitterer death ! 

Avaunt, thou tempter ! I did ask his life 
A boon, and not the barter of dishonour. 
The heart can break, and scorn you : wreak your malice ; 
Adrien and I will leave you this sad earth, 
And pass together hand in hand to Heaven ! 

Bar. You have decided. 

{Beckons in Captain, who enters e ; Baeadas whis~ 
pers to him and he goes off quickly e. 

Listen to me, Lady ; 
I am no base intriguer. I adored thee 
From the first glance of those inspiring eyes ; 
With thee entwined ambition, hope, the future. 
I will not lose thee! I can place thee nearest — 
Ay, to the throne — nay, on the throne, perchance ; 
My star is at its zenith. Look upon me ; 
Hast thou decided ? 

Julie. No, no ; you can see 

How weak I am : be human, Sir — one moment. ] 

Bar. (stamping his foot, De Maupeat is drought on 
guarded e. ; guards range r.). Behold thy husband ! 
— Shall he pass to death, 



86 RICHELIEU; [ACT V* 

And know thou could'st have saved him? 

Julie (l.). Adrien, speak 

Eut say you wish to live I — if not, your wife, 
Tour slave, — do with me as you will. 

\_Crosses to Mm* 

De Mau. (r.). Oh, think, my Julie, 
Life, at the best, is short, — but love immortal ! 

Bar. (taking Julie's hand). Ah, loveliest 

Julie. Go, that touch has made me iron. 

We have decided [embracing Maupeat) — death ! 

Bar. {to De Mauprat). Now say to whom 

Thou gavest the packet, and thou yet shalt live. 

Be Mau. I'll tell thee nothing ! 

Bar. Hark, — the rack! 

De Mau. Thy penance 

For ever, wretch ! — What rack is like the conscience ? 
Bar. {giving the writ to the Officer, tvho is R. c). 
Hence, to the headsman ! 

[The doors are thrown open. The Huissier an- 
nounces "His Eminence the Cardinal Duke de 
Eiehelieu." 

Enter Eichelteu (l. it. e.), attended by Pages, 
<$fc., pale, feeble, and leaning on Joseph, fol- 
lowed by three Secretaries of State, attended by 
Sub-Secretaries with papers, Sfc. 

Julie {rushing to Eichelieu). You live — you live — 

and Adrien shall not die. 
'Rich. Not if an old man's prayers, himself near 
death, 
Can aught avail thee, daughter ! Count, you now 
Hold what I held on earth :— one boon, my Lord, 
This soldier's life. 



SCENE II.] OR, THE CONSPIRACY. 87 

Bar. The stake — my head ! — you said it. 

I cannot lose one trick. — Remove your prisoner. 
Julie (e. of Eichelieu). No ! — Xo ! 



Enter Louis from e. u. e., attended by Court. 

Mick, (to Officer). Stay, Sir, one moment. My good 
liege, 
Tour worn-out servant, willing, Sire, to spare you 
Some pain of conscience, would forestall your wishes. 
I do resign my office. 

Omnes. Tou ! 

Julie. All's over ! 

Rick. My end draws near. These sad ones, Sire, I 
love them. 
I do not ask his life ; but suffer justice 
To halt, until I can dismiss his soul, 
Charged with an old man's blessing. 

Louis (e. c). Surely! 

[De Maupeat goes hekind, to tlie l. of Eichelieu. 

Bar. (on tke e. of the King). Sire 

Louis. Silence — small favour to a dying servant. 
Rick. Tou would consign your armies to the baton 

Of your most honoured brother. Sire, so be it ! 

Tour minister, the Count de Baradas ; 

A most sagacious choice ! — Tour Secretaries 

Of State attend me, Sire, to render up 

The ledgers of a realm. — I do beseech you, 

Suffer these noble gentlemen to learn 



The nature of the glorious task that waits thein, 
Here, in my presence. 



88 EICHELIEU; [ACT V. 

Louis. You say well, my Lord 

Approach Sirs. [T<9 Secretaries, as he seats himself. 

[Pages place a chair for the King, e. c. 

Mich. I — I — faint ! — air — air ! 

[Joseph and a Gentleman assist him to a chair, 
placed by Pages, L. c. 

I thank you — 
Draw near, my children. 

Bar. He's too weak to question, 

]Nay, scarce to speak ; all's safe. 

Julie kneeling beside the Cardinal ; the Officer of 
the Guard behind Maupeat. Joseph near, 
Richelieu, icatching the King. Louis seated 
E. c. Baeadas at the lack of the King's 
chair, anxious and disturbed. Oeleans at a 
greater distance, careless and triumphant. As 
each Secretary advances in his turn, he takes 
the portfolios from the Sub-Secretaries. 

First Sec. (kneeling). The affairs of Portugal. 

Most urgent, Sire: (gives a paper). One short month 

since the Duke 
Braganza was a rebel. 

Louis. And is still ! 

First Sec. "No, Sire, he has succeeded ! He is now 
Crown' d King of Portugal — craves instant succour 
Against the arms of Spain. 

Louis. We will not grant it 

Against his lawful king. Eh, Count ? 

Bar. Ko, Sire. 



SCENE II.] OR, THE CONSPIRACY. g9 

First Sec. But Spain's your deadliest foe : whatever 
Can weaken Spain must strengthen France. The 

Cardinal 
Would send the succours : — (solemnly) — balance, Sire, of 
Europe ! [Gives another paper. 

Louis. The Cardinal ! — balance ! — We'll consider. — 

Eh, Count ? 
Bar. Yes, Sire ; — fall back. 

First Sec. (rises). But 

Bar. Oh ! fall back, Sir. 

[Sec. bows and retires. 

Joseph. Humph ! 

Second Sec. (advances and kneels). The affairs of Eng- 
land, Sire, most urgent : (gives paper) Charles 
The Eirst has lost a battle that decides 
One half his realm, — craves moneys, Sire, and succour. 

Louis. He shall have both. — Eh, Baradas ? 

Bar. Tes, Sire. 

(Oh that Despatch ! — my veins are fire !) 

Bich. (feebly, but with great distinctness). My liege — 
Eorgive me — Charles's cause is lost ! A man, 
Earned Cromwell, risen, — a great man ! — your succour 
Would fail — your loans be squander'd ! — Pause — 
reflect. 

Louis. Benect. — Eh, Baradas? 

Bar. Beflect, Sire. 

Joseph. Humph ! 

Louis (aside). I half repent! — JSTo successor to 
Bichelieu ! — 
Bound me thrones totter ! — dynasties dissolve ! — 
The soil he guards alone escapes the earthquake ! 

Joseph. Our star not yet eclipsed! — you mark the 
King? 



90 EICHELIETJ; [ACT V. 

Oh ! had we the Despatch ! 

Enter a Page l. u. e. 

Rich. Ah !— Joseph [—Child- 

Would I could help thee ! 

[Page whispers Joseph, who eccit hastily, l. tj. e. 

Bar. (to Sec). Sir, fall back. 

Second Sec. (rises.) But- 



Bar. Pshaw, Sir! 

[Second Sec. hows and retires, l. c. 

Tliird Sec. (mysteriously), hieels. The secret corre- 
spondence, Sire, most urgent, — 
Accounts of spies — deserters — heretics — 
Assassins — poisoners — schemes against yourself! 

[_G~iues paper. Sec. rises. 

Bonis. Myself I — most urgent ! — (The King seizes that 
paper and drops the others.) 

He-enter Joseph with Feain'cois, iclwse pourpoint is 
streaked with blood. Peancois passes behind 
the Cardinal's Attendants, and, sheltered by 
them from the sight of Baeadas, Sfc, falls at 
Eichelieu's feet. 

Fran. (l. o/Eichelieu). My Lord ! 

I have not fail'd 

[Gives the packet. 
Rich. Hush ! — 

\_Booking at the contents. 



SCENE II.] OR, THE CONSPIRACY. 91 

Third Sec. (to King). Sire, the Spaniards 

Have reinforced their army on the frontiers. 
The Due de Bouillon 

Rich. Hold ! — In this department — 

A paper — here, Sire, — read yourself — then take 
The Count's advice in't. 

[The King takes the paper and goes l. 



Enter De Berhstghen l. v. e. hastily, and draws aside 
Baradas, and whispers. 

Bar. (bursting from De Beringhen). "What ! and reft 
it from thee ! 
Ha ! — hold ! {going towards the King). 

Joseph (l. a). Pall back, son, it is your turn now ! 
Louis (reading, pacing the stage from l. to r.). To 
Bouillon — and sign'd Orleans ! — 
Baradas, too ! — league with our foes of Spain ! — 
Lead our Italian armies — what ! to Paris ! 
Capture the King — my health require repose — 
Make me subscribe my proper abdication — 
Orleans, my brother, Begent ! — Saints of Heaven ! 
These are the men I loved ! 

[Richelieu falls bade* 

Joseph. See to the Cardinal ! 

Bar. (r. a). He's dying ! — and I shall yet dupe the 

King! 
Louis (rushing to Bichelietj). Richelieu! — Lord 

Cardinal ! — 'tis J resign ! — 
Reign thou ! 

Joseph (behind the chair). Alas ! too late ! — he faints! 
Louis (r. of Richelieu). Reign, Richelieu I 
Rich, {feebly). With absolute power ? 



92 RICHELIEU J [ACT Y. 

Louis. Most absolute ! — Oh ! live 

If not for me — for France ! 

Rick. France ! 

Louis. Oh! this treason ! — 

The army — Orleans — Bouillon — Heavens! — the 

Spaniard ! — 
Where will they be next week ? — 

Hick, (starting up, seizing the paper and throwing it on 
the ground). There, — at my feet ! 

\_To First and Second Secretary. 
Ere the clock strike ! — the Envoys have their answer ! 

[Exit Secretary, l. tj. e. 

[To Third Secretary, with a ring. 

This to De Chavigny — he knows the rest — 

No need of parchment here — he must nor halt 

For sleep — for food. — In my name, — mine ! — he will 

Arrest the Due de Bouillon at the head 

Of his army! (Exit Third Secretary, l. tj. e.). Ho! 

there, Count de Baradas, 
Thou hast lost the stake ! — Away with him ! 

[As the Guards open, Harad as passes through the 
line. [Exeunt R. 

Ha !— ha !— 

[Snatching De Mauprat's death-warrant from the 
Officer as ke passes. 

See here De Mauprat's death-writ, Julie ! — 
Parchment for battledores ! — Embrace your husband ! — 
At last the old man blesses you ! 

Julie, (l. a). O joy ! 

Tou are saved ; you live — I hold you in these arms. 

Man. Never to part 



SCENE II.] 0E, THE CONSPIEACY. 93 

Julie. No — never, Adrien — never! 

Louis (peevishly, r. a). One moment makes a start- 
ling cure, Lord Cardinal. 
Rich. Ay, Sire, for in one moment there did pass 
Into this wither'd frame the might of France ! — 
My own dear France — I have thee yet — I have saved 

thee ! 
I clasp thee still ! — it was thy voice that call'd me 
Back from the tomb ! — What mistress like our country ? 
Louis. For Mauprat's pardon — well! But Julie, — 
Eichelieu, 
Leave me one thing to love ! 

Rich. A subject's luxury ! 

Yet if you must love something, Sire, — love me ! 

Louis (smiling in spite of himself). Fair proxy for a 

young fresh Demoiselle ! 
Etch. Your heart speaks for my clients : — Kneel, my 
children, 
Thank your King. — 

[Kichelietj passes up the stage, all the Court low. 

Julie. Ah, tears like these, my liege, 

Are dews that mount to Heaven. 

Louis. Rise — rise — be happy (retires). 

[EicnELiEir comes forward and hecJcons to De 
Beeinghen. 
J)e Eeringhen (falteringlg, e.). My Lord — you are — 

most happily — recover'd. 
Rich. But you are pale, dear Beringhen : — this air 
Suits not your delicate frame — I long have thought 
so:™ 



94 RICHELIEU; , [ACT V. 

Sleep not another night in Paris : — Go, — 
Or else your precious life may be in danger. 
Leave France, dear Beringhen ! 

De JBer. St. Denis travelled without his head. 
I'm luckier than St. Denis. 

[Exit De Beringhen, e. 

Mich, (to Orleans). For you repentance — absence — 
and confession ! 

[Exit Orleans, e. 

To Francois, icJio is e. c. 

Never say fail again. — "Brave boy ! 

(To Joseph, crossing to c.) 

He'll be— 
A Bishop first. 

Joseph (e. a). Ah, Cardinal 

Bich. (a). Ah, Joseph! 

[The King advances, l. c. 

[To Louis, as De Maupeat and Julie converse apart. 

See, my liege — see thro' plots and counterplots — 
Thro* gain and loss — thro' glory and disgrace — 
Along the plains, where passionate Discord rears 
Eternal Babel — still the holy stream 
Of human happiness glides on ! 

Louis. And must we 

Thank for that also — our Prime Minister ? 

Rich. No — let us own it : — there is One above 
Sways the harmonious mystery of the world, 
Even better than prime ministers j — 
Thus ends it. 



SCENE II.] OR, THE CONSPIRACY. 

POSITION OF THE CHARACTERS AT THE FALL OF 
THE CURTAIN. 





Pages. 






Courtiers. 




Courtiers. 


Louis 


. Richelieu. 




Francois. 


c. 


Julie. 




B.C. 




L.C 




Joseph. 






Mauprat. 


r. 






L. 



The Characters are supposed to face the Audience. 



Curtain. 



Woodfall and Kinder, Printers, Milford Lane, Strand, London, W.C. 



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LBRAIRE yjHTEHH 



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LORD LYTTON. 



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